My first semester at StemCOMM VIP offered both excitement and trepidation when I learned about the ASF After Dark event. Since high school, I hadn’t been involved in planning science-related activities, and I worried my knowledge in science related topics might be limited. However, through working with my sub-team during the planning phase, I discovered that science is everywhere around us, not something you have to constantly seek out.
Initially, my sub-team and I envisioned a “create your own planet” activity using Styrofoam spheres and planetary trivia. But we were worried that adults might not find this as engaging, so we pivoted to shrinky dinks. These are incredibly simple: secure a shrinky dink kit, draw on the flexible plastic sheets from the kit, shrink them with heat, and transform them into keychains, magnets, or pins!
The reason we choose to do shrinky drinks was because of the unique process of how shrink dinks formed—almost like magic. This magic of shrinky dinks lie in the scientific process triggered by heat. These plastic sheets contain polystyrene, a material made of long, chain-like molecules called polymers. When heated, these polymers straighten out, allowing them to pack together more efficiently, shrinking the material to roughly one-third of its original size.
At the event, I helped with guest reception, brief explanation of the science behind shrinky dinks, and distributing supplies. We provided stencils for tracing and a variety of charm options. The event itself was filled with excitement as guests delighted in the activities and the new experiences our shrinky dink provided. Witnessing countless faces light up as their shrinky dinks transform into their personalized charm was truly magical. Guests would kept going back and create new designs, even our own sub-team! The magic of shrinky dinks, it seems, never gets old!
The turnout for the ASF event went so much better than I had expected. I had concerns about low attendance, but it was fantastic to see guests genuinely enjoying the experience and immersing themselves with all the science activities for the night. The guests that were in attendance were eager to learn what shrinky dinks were and I loved seeing their designs form into charms. My experience with ASF after dark was a truly a heartwarming reminder of how science brings the world around us to life.
Sources:
University, Carnegie Mellon. “Shrinky Dinks – Gelfand Center – Carnegie Mellon University.” Shrinky Dinks – Gelfand Center – Carnegie Mellon University, www.cmu.edu/gelfand/lgc-educational-media/polymers/molecular-rearrangement/shrinky-dinks.html#:~:text=When%20the%20film%20is%20heated,by%20rapid%20cooling%20during%20manufacture. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.
(View the source above to learn more about shrinky dinks!)
