Spooky Science Expo organizer Zoreh Khoshnamak, second from right, with participants Oct. 21 at Armistead Boothe Park. Janet Barnett
“We strive to inspire the next generation of innovators, problem solvers, and leaders in the fields of science and technology.”
— Mad Science Expo founder Zohreh Khoshnamak
Hundreds of future astronauts, scientists, mathematicians and engineers turned out Oct. 21 for the 8th annual Spooky Mad Science Expo, held for the first time at Armistead Boothe Park.
The popular event, which combines Halloween and science learning projects, is the brainchild of Watergate at Landmark resident Zohreh Khoshnamak, who founded the community’s Science Club. The volunteer-based event began as a way to serve the families at The Watergate at Landmark, which has around 4,000 residents, but outgrew the residential complex and now attracts families from throughout the city.
“This is the first year that we will be holding the Expo as a nonprofit,” said Khoshnamak of the K-12 event. “It is also the first year that the event will be held in an open location serving the entire West End community and in effect the city of Alexandria.”
The event is the only community-based science event of its size in the region and provides students with hands-on, experiential learning opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). More than 60 organizations participated in the event and provided hands-on demonstrations for attendees.
Interest in the event has grown continuously over the years with more than 500 attending last year’s event.
“We were limited in size due to the nature of our gated community,” said Khoshnamak in explaining the move to Armistead Boothe Park. “This year our primary objective is to provide more students in Alexandria's West End, which has many low-income families with limited access to opportunities, and their families with interactive and engaging activities, exciting exhibits, and demonstrations. We strive to inspire the next generation of innovators, problem solvers, and leaders in the fields of science and technology.”
To learn more about the club, contact Zohreh Khoshnamak at khoshnamak@gmail.com.