Science Ambassadors to Present 12th Annual "Hogwarts at Holy Cross"

WORCESTER, Mass. – The College of the Holy Cross will present “Hogwarts at Holy Cross: Hogwarts Goes Green, the Great Earth” on Sunday, April 11 from 6- 8 p.m. in the Hogan Campus Center Ballroom.  Designed for the children of Worcester, the event will feature hands-on science experiments and a unique and interactive presentation by Holy Cross faculty and students. “Hogwarts at Holy Cross” is free and open to the public.

Hogwarts is orchestrated by the Holy Cross Science Ambassadors and the purpose of the day is to make science fun for children of all ages.

“By relating science to magic and Harry Potter, it makes it easier for children to understand and like science instead of being intimidated by it,” explains Lindsey Tonge ’11, co-chair of the Science Ambassadors. “During the first hour we conduct hands-on activities for the children to do, which usually includes experiments like making silly putty, pretending to be a snake and having to molt your skin, or physics demos.  The second hour is a group show.  This year the show is going to have live animals, like birds, chinchillas, and ferrets.”

In addition to the regular experiments, the “Hogwarts Goes Green” theme will include garden presentations and information on recycling.  These exhibits are designed to teach about conserving the earth and its vegetation.

The event is modeled after the “potions” classes offered at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter series. This annual event is open to the entire Worcester community and includes innovative hands-on science activities for children in pre-K through grade 8.

The Science Ambassadors are a group of over 60 Holy Cross students who work with local children to develop an interest in the sciences. They put on science shows for children of all ages throughout the year, both at community schools and at Holy Cross. Hogwarts is the largest and most popular of the events.