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Spooky Science Night part of Science Club’s efforts to engage students, community
Spooky Science
The MFL MarMac High School Science Club held a “Spooky Science Night” on Oct. 27, welcoming people to participate in science demonstrations and interactive activities while enjoying scientific food and drink. It was the first major public event for the club, which formed last year. - photo by Audrey Posten

The MFL MarMac High School Science Club held a “Spooky Science Night” on Oct. 27, welcoming people to participate in science demonstrations and interactive activities while enjoying scientific food and drink.

It was the first major public event for the club, which formed last year.

Science teacher Cheryl Drowns recalled how it started.

“I had a couple kids in college chemistry that were insisting we needed a science club. I thought they would forget about it over the summer, but they didn’t,” she said.

Science Club aims to get kids involved and have fun while doing science activities.

“A lot of it times, [students] tend to not see the value or they get bogged down thinking science is so hard, and I want to change that perception of it,” Drowns shared.

Senior Kashton Decker is president of the group. He’s always liked science, he said, and was told “we would do fun stuff with science. I was all about that. And I think there are a lot of other people who are in the same boat.”

Nora Griffith felt similarly.

“I’ve always liked biology and chemistry and science in general,” she said. “It’s really fun to put together a group where we can do all that and just have fun. Instead of testing, it’s more fun to do demonstrations and activities.”

Now, the group has grown to 43 members.

The idea for Spooky Science was based off an event Drowns did while pursuing her master’s degree in chemistry.

“I incorporated that and added a lot of stuff,” Drowns said. Between the activities, demonstrations and displays, there were roughly 40 things for attendees to do.

Decker said Science Club members felt it would be fun. Despite everyone’s busy schedules, he was pleased with the number of students who were able to help. They were pleased with the community turnout as well.

“The day of, we wondered if anyone was going to show up, but I thought we had a great turnout,” he said. “Thanks to the people who came, and look out for more Science Club stuff in the future.”

While more concrete plans are still in the works, Drowns said other event ideas the group is considering are a movie night, STEM and trivia night and an Earth Day activity and plant sale. Science Club hopes to engage all ages.

“I think the default is everything is targeted toward children, but I think if we can get the word out it’s not just for small kids. We’re doing cool things for teenagers and adults too,” she said.