UPDATE: King’s College in Wilkes-Barre just hosted its annual “Things that Go Boom in the Night” Halloween event, captivating families and children with thrilling science demonstrations on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The event, organized by the College’s Department of Chemistry and Physics, offered a night filled with fun and educational experiences that left young attendees in awe.
Families gathered at the college as faculty and students showcased a series of exciting experiments. Children eagerly participated in activities such as creating chromatography ghosts, observing colorful flames, and even witnessing oozing Jack-O-Lanterns. “It’s often these kinds of moments that first sparked our love of science,” said Dr. Julie Belanger, chair of the Chemistry and Physics Department. “Making it part of our annual Halloween tradition is as much fun for our faculty and students as it is for our guests.”
The event attracted a diverse crowd, with kids like Zynnia Peters, 7, from Wilkes-Barre, reacting joyfully to the surprising effects of dipping balloons in liquid nitrogen. “Whoa!” she exclaimed, marveling at the shriveled balloon that emerged from the chilling experiment.
Meanwhile, the excitement continued as Joseph Booth III, 2, also from Wilkes-Barre, cheered enthusiastically while raising his hands to volunteer for a demonstration. The atmosphere buzzed with laughter and excitement, as countless hands went up to participate in the interactive science fun.
Dr. Belanger delighted attendees by pouring liquid nitrogen on the floor, instantly transforming it into gas, creating a mesmerizing fog that enveloped the area. This captivating spectacle was just one of the many highlights that made the evening unforgettable.
King’s College has been committed to engaging the community through educational events, and “Things that Go Boom in the Night” stands as a testament to their mission. With a perfect blend of science and Halloween spirit, the event not only entertained but inspired young minds to explore the wonders of science.
As families left the event, the impact of this thrilling night lingered, with children buzzing about their favorite experiments and looking forward to next year’s festivities.
What’s next? King’s College plans to continue its tradition of engaging educational experiences, ensuring that science remains exciting and accessible for the next generation. Keep an eye out for future events that promise to ignite curiosity and creativity in the community.
This year’s “Things that Go Boom in the Night” was not just a celebration of Halloween but a reminder of the magic that science brings to life!
