Will It Explode? A Curious Chemist's Workshop
Description
Get ready for a week of high-energy science as campers investigate the question every young scientist secretly wants to ask: “Will it explode?” In this exciting hands-on workshop, students explore chemistry and physical science concepts through safe, carefully controlled experiments that fizz, foam, bubble, burst, and sometimes even pop! The goal: to understand why reactions happen - not just watch them.

Campers will experiment with everyday materials to explore chemical reactions, states of matter, gas production, pressure, combustion-free “explosions,” and more. Activities might include launching film-canister rockets, inflating balloons with chemical reactions, making elephant toothpaste, testing which substances undergo rapid gas release, and designing their own “safe reaction chain.”
Throughout the week, students will:

• Learn to make scientific predictions (hypotheses)
• Identify signs of chemical vs. physical changes
• Measure and compare reaction rates
• Explore acids, bases, and simple indicators
• Record observations in a lab journal
• Practice basic lab safety and scientific inquiry

Every experiment is intentionally safe, age-appropriate, non-toxic, and teacher-supervised, focusing on chemistry concepts rather than actual explosions. Students will leave with a deeper understanding of how reactions work - and a huge sense of excitement about science.

Sample Experiments May Include:

• Film canister “rockets” (gas expansion & pressure)
• Balloon-inflating chemical reactions
• Vinegar volcano variations
• Glowstick chemistry
• Pop rocks + soda gas investigations
• Mentos + soda fountain analysis
• Color-changing acids & bases
• “Exploding” seed dispersal models

Note: While the camp uses dramatic titles and thrilling reactions, all activities follow strict safety guidelines and use ingredients commonly found at home or in elementary science labs.

Instructor: Megan Hunt, Parish Episcopal Middle School STEM Teacher
Location:
Parish Episcopal School - Midway Campus
Dates:
7/6/2026 - 7/10/2026 11:00 PM
Time:
12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Ages:
Grades 4th - 6th
Cost:
$280.00
Additional:
Academics
Availability:
Registration will begin on 2/4/2026.