By: Sonya Carper

On Sunday, March 30^th, the West Virginia Wesleyan College Space Club hosted an event on campus for the community thanks to the West Virginia Nasa Space Grant Consortium. The physics, chemistry, and biology departments came together under the direction of Dr. Tracey Delaney and filled the auxiliary gym with the magical wonder of science. 

Attendees were treated to a wide array of engaging activities that highlighted the mystery and complexity of scientific principles while participating in experiments like launching bottle rockets and building catapults. There was also a chance to delve into the fascinating realms of force, electrical and magnetic fields, alternating currents, frequency, and waves.

Community members experimented with paper airplanes and burning gas balloons while learning about teamwork, planning, and drafting. Concepts from biology, such as diseases affecting the body, and chemistry, including the periodic table, were integrated into the experience. With such a variety of disciplines represented, the event offered an enriching experience that celebrated the endless possibilities of STEM. 

Sneha Sundareeni and Sonya Carper presented for the Science Public Outreach Team through a series of interactive and educational activities. They did an activity called “Pocket Solar System” to illustrate the vast scale of space,”A Drop in the Bucket,” to shed light on the scarcity of water and to emphasize the dangers of repeated unprotected exposure to ultraviolet light, guests were invited to craft UV-sensitive bracelets.

Dr. Tracey Delaney expressed her enthusiasm, “This event has not taken place since 2019, before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s an opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate the spirit of discovery and innovation.” she explained.

Participants in three exciting events competed for science-themed prizes, showcasing their creativity and engineering skills. In the “Spaghetti Tower” challenge, they constructed the tallest possible tower using only spaghetti noodles and marshmallows, balancing both height and stability. Meanwhile, “The Great Catapult” tasked participants with building a functional catapult using popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and a plastic spoon, aiming to achieve the greatest launch distance. In a third activity, participants crafted paper airplanes and assessed their designs to see whose creation could fly the farthest. Each event offered an opportunity for ingenuity and fun, inspiring participants to think outside the box! 

One lucky winner, Preston, was extremely excited for his prizes and said, “I had so much fun today.” 

The Space Club extends heartfelt gratitude to all the students and service scholars whose dedication and hard work made this event a resounding success. Their efforts, along with the support of every individual who contributed their time and energy, helped bring this day to life and create an unforgettable experience for all. A special thank you also goes to the chemistry department for delivering an extraordinary finale that capped off the day with brilliance and excitement, leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved.

Photo Credit: WVWC FB Page