Pumpkin Smash
Saturday, Nov. 1
What do you do with a jack-o'-lantern after Halloween? Roll it off the Science Center roof, of course! Carnegie Science Center is inviting families to bring their pumpkins for a physics-filled day of fun at the third annual Great Pumpkin Smash on Saturday, Nov. 1.
Join Smash-ologists in rolling leftover jack-o-lanterns off the Science Center’s roof. Participants will watch their pumpkins fall and observe how their pumpkin reacts to the drop. Some will smash, some will splatter, and some will even bounce. Guests will observe their pumpkin and learn about the physics behind the drop to understand why different pumpkins react to the fall in different ways. A video monitor allows participants to watch their pumpkin’s splat without leaning over the edge. Spectators can witness the hilarious sequence of falling – and splatting – pumpkins.
Before each pumpkin’s descent, they will be weighed to determine the largest and smallest ones. Last year’s largest was 17 inches tall, while its smallest was a mere 2 inches. Guests will learn how the weight of each pumpkin affects how it will smash.
And if there’s anything more fun than a splatting pumpkin, it’s an exploding pumpkin. On the lawn behind the Science Center, guests will be treated to demonstrations of how liquid nitrogen can be used to explode pumpkins.
Continuing the pumpkin theme, visitors can enjoy pumpkin flavored ice cream during the “Science in a Scoop” show in the BodyStage.
Activities will run from 10 am – 5 pm rain or shine and are included with the price of general admission. Pre-registration is not required.
For more information on Great Pumpkin Smash and other upcoming holiday-themed events, visit CarnegieScienceCenter.org.
Other Happenings at the Science Center:
SciTech Days
SciTech Days
Tuesday, Nov. 4 – Friday, Nov. 7
At SciTech Days, the building is filled with interactive demonstrations provided by professionals from the region's leading STEM industries and universities. It's a popular event for school groups, and families are welcome, too! This is a great opportunity if your child's school is closed on Election Day.
Special offer: Say "Math plus science equals success" at the ticket counter Nov. 4-7 and receive 50% off general admission! Carnegie Science Center, the Math & Science Collaborative, FedEx Ground, and WTAE-TV have teamed up in the math+science=success campaign to promote math and science education as essential for all students.
Closings
Carnegie Science Center will be closed on Oct. 26 and Nov. 27. Carnegie Science Center closes at 4 pm on Oct. 20 and Nov. 2, and at 6 pm on Nov. 8.
The Miniature Railroad and Village® is closed through Nov. 27.
