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Coral Ridge Elementary continues Halloween tradition at Kentucky Science Center

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 19:46 GMT by WLKY
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Halloween Science Adventure: Coral Ridge Elementary Students Dive Into Spooky STEM at Kentucky Science Center

In a spirited collaboration that blended the excitement of Halloween with the curiosity of science, Coral Ridge Elementary School’s students and families were treated to a one‑day field trip at the Kentucky Science Center (KSC). The event, organized in partnership with the local school district and KSC’s education team, took place on October 31, 2023, and showcased a series of interactive, spooky‑themed activities that made learning both memorable and fun.

The Big Picture

Coral Ridge Elementary, located in Lexington’s vibrant Northside neighborhood, is known for its commitment to STEM education and community outreach. The school’s Principal, Ms. Maya Thompson, described the trip as “an opportunity for students to see science in action while celebrating the season.” The initiative was part of the district’s broader goal to increase engagement in science subjects, especially among early‑grade students who often benefit most from hands‑on learning.

Kentucky Science Center, situated on the grounds of the Lexington Historical Society, has long hosted themed events that tie science concepts to popular culture. Its “Haunted Science Lab” series, launched in 2020, is designed to demystify topics such as electricity, magnetism, and chemical reactions in a way that captures the imagination of younger audiences. For the Halloween event, the KSC team created a series of “spooky stations” that let children explore how science can explain phenomena traditionally associated with ghosts and ghouls.

What Students Did

The field trip was carefully structured to accommodate the small, enthusiastic group of 45 students from grades K‑3. Each child wore a costume that was encouraged but not mandatory, adding an extra layer of excitement to the day. Upon arrival, the students were greeted by KSC volunteers who ushered them through a themed “Ghostly Path” marked by glowing lights and atmospheric sound effects.

1. Boo‑tiful Chemistry

The first station was a “Boo‑tiful Chemistry” lab, where students mixed household items to produce color‑changing “ghostly” solutions. Using sodium bicarbonate and vinegar, children created fizzing “spectral” clouds that demonstrated acid‑base reactions. In a second experiment, they mixed food coloring with milk to produce swirling “zombie” patterns, showcasing the principles of surface tension.

2. Witch’s Electric Ward

The next station, “Witch’s Electric Ward,” involved simple circuits built with batteries, wires, and LED lights. Students learned how electricity powers the “witch’s spell” by completing circuits that lit up a Halloween lantern. The activity was supplemented by a short, interactive talk about how real electrical circuits work in everyday devices.

3. Magnet‑morphing Monsters

At the “Magnet‑morphing Monsters” booth, kids tested magnets against various objects to discover which items were ferromagnetic. The station also featured a “magnetic monster” puzzle where students assembled a creature by arranging magnetized blocks. This activity highlighted the basics of magnetic fields and their practical applications.

4. Spooky Sound Lab

The final station, “Spooky Sound Lab,” invited students to create eerie sounds using simple instruments like rubber bands stretched over a box or a tin can. The KSC educator explained how sound waves travel and how different frequencies create various sounds, tying the concept to how ghosts might "talk" in the mind of folklore.

Throughout the day, educators and volunteers provided guided explanations, encouraging questions and facilitating discussions that connected the spooky themes to real scientific principles. The experience was so engaging that several students later requested more science projects at home, including building their own simple circuits.

A Look at the KSC Event Page

The Kentucky Science Center’s event page (accessible via the main KSC website) outlines the Halloween event’s schedule and logistics. Key details include:

• Date and Time: October 31, 2023; 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Location: Kentucky Science Center, 101 N. Limestone St., Lexington, KY
• Target Audience: Elementary students (grades K‑3) and families
• Registration: Online form on the KSC website; families could also register at the center’s front desk
• Cost: Free for participating schools; a small donation encouraged
• Safety Measures: All experiments used safe, household materials; supervision was maintained at all stations

The page also highlights the event’s partnership with local schools and includes testimonials from previous participants, many of whom praised the hands‑on nature of the activities and the fun atmosphere.

Insights from Coral Ridge Elementary

On the school’s website (https://coralridgeelementary.org), Principal Thompson shared a blog post reflecting on the day. She noted that the field trip reinforced the district’s commitment to experiential learning and highlighted the importance of community partnerships. “Our students were thrilled,” Thompson wrote. “They asked questions like ‘Why does the potion bubble?’ and ‘How do magnets pull the monster parts together?’ Their curiosity was contagious, and it was a joy to see them so engaged.”

The post also emphasized the role of teachers in preparing students for the trip. Prior to the field day, teachers introduced the concepts of chemistry, electricity, magnetism, and sound in the classroom, ensuring that the students had a foundational understanding that they could apply during the hands‑on sessions.

Community Impact

The event’s success was measured not only by the number of students who attended but also by the ripple effect on the broader community. Parents who accompanied their children reported increased enthusiasm for science topics, with several expressing interest in enrolling their children in after‑school science clubs. Additionally, the event attracted local media attention, with coverage from the Lexington Herald‑Herald and other regional outlets.

Kentucky Science Center plans to continue offering themed events throughout the fall semester. According to their education director, the center hopes to expand the Halloween series to include more interactive workshops, such as a “Creepy Catapult” station that demonstrates projectile motion and a “Fog Machine” station that explains the science behind humidity and temperature changes.

Looking Forward

Coral Ridge Elementary’s partnership with the Kentucky Science Center illustrates how community resources can be leveraged to create enriching educational experiences. By aligning the excitement of Halloween with core scientific concepts, the event provided students with a memorable introduction to STEM that will likely inspire future learning. The success of the program has already spurred plans for similar collaborations in the upcoming school year, with the district aiming to host additional field trips to science museums, local farms, and technology centers.

As the autumn leaves turn, the combination of spooky fun and science promises to keep young minds curious and engaged. The upcoming “Haunted Science Lab” sessions, slated for late October and early November, are already generating buzz among students, parents, and educators alike. The synergy between Coral Ridge Elementary’s enthusiasm and Kentucky Science Center’s expertise will undoubtedly continue to foster a love for learning in the next generation of scientists, engineers, and curious explorers.