Oh my gourd: Science Center hosts third annual Great Pumpkin Smash

 

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PITTSBURGH, Oct. 21, 2014 — 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.

About Carnegie Science Center

Carnegie Science Center is dedicated to inspiring learning and curiosity by connecting science and technology with everyday life. By making science both relevant and fun, the Science Center’s goal is to increase science literacy in the region and motivate young people to seek careers in science and technology. One of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, the Science Center is Pittsburgh’s premier science exploration destination, reaching more than 700,000 people annually through its hands-on exhibits, camps, classes, and off-site education programs.

About Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh

Founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1895, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh is a collection of four distinctive museums dedicated to exploration through art and science: Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center, and The Andy Warhol Museum. Annually, the museums reach more than 1.2 million people through exhibitions, educational programs, outreach activities, and special events.

 

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