Spooky Science in Alexandria

Mad Science Expo inspires STEAM learning.

Hundreds of future astronauts, scientists, mathematicians and engineers turned out Oct. 15 at The Watergate at Landmark for the fifth annual Spooky Mad Science Expo, an event to combine Halloween and science learning projects.

The Expo is the brainchild of Watergate resident Zohreh Khoshnamak, who founded the community’s Science Club. The volunteer-based event serves the families at The Watergate at Landmark, which has around 4,000 residents.

“More than 500 kids and parents in different age groups attended the Expo,” Khoshnamak said. “The activities were designed for kids from preschool to high school.”

Alexandria Police Chief Don Hayes, Mayor Justin Wilson, Vice Mayor Amy Jackson and School Board member Abdel-Rahman Elnoubi were on hand to participate in the festivities.

“It was exciting to see some of the kids who had attended the first Spooky Mad Science Expo at a very young age running the tables at this one,” Khoshnamak added.

The event was held with the participation of volunteers from organizations including: Alexandria Police Department; Chemical Society of Washington; Alexandria 4H; Arlington 4H (Virginia Cooperative Extension); Alexandria Health Department; George Mason University; NASA; NASA SCAN; Nova Labs; National Science Foundation; Northern Virginia Community College; Reset; Riverside Research; Alexandria Parks and Recreation Department; Alexandria High School Robotics team (Titans); Thomas Jefferson Math Team; Thomas Jefferson Engineering Team; USPTO; Virginia Tech; Wise (FCPS); and Alexandria PLTI.

“I also had a lot of help from Jenni, a Watergate resident, and her daughter Seychelles,” Khoshnamak said. “The event is an opportunity to spark the interest in science and technology in kids.”

To learn more about the club, contact Zohreh Khoshnamak at khoshnamak@gmail.com.