October 25, 2011 > Sinister Science Halloween Party Sinister Science Halloween Party By Nisha Patel Photos By Courtesy of Chabot Space & Science Center In spirit of Halloween, the Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland is hosting an exciting Sinister Science Halloween Party Saturday, October 29. Guests will have the opportunity to wear costumes, participate in special exhibits, and enjoy other hands-on activities featured at the event. Although it is aimed toward elementary school age children, activities for students of all grade-levels will be available. In the Discovery Lab, younger children between the ages of two and seven will have the exclusive opportunity to dress up in costumes and build objects with blocks, Legos, and other hands-on materials. Additionally, these young builders will be able to use microscopes with large viewfinders to closely study objects like rockets and dinosaurs. Galaxy Explorers, comprised of a group of teen science ambassador volunteers, will conduct a variety of demonstrations. Some of the most popular exhibitions include making slime and identifying meteorites. Another featured activity will help young scientists make necklaces that use materials to view and understand the light spectrum. Additionally, take-home projects including kaleidoscopes will encourage learning about science in an interactive fashion. Guests will be able to fly a space mission in the Challenger Learning Center, a simulated trip to Mars in which they will assume the role of flight leaders communicating with Earth. In deference to Halloween, the Challenger Learning Center will add the suspense of a haunted house abducted by space aliens. Two space missions: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. will require separate tickets in addition to general admission. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the box office at (510) 336-7373. Visitors are encouraged to dress up in costumes throughout the day. In the past, popular costume characters have included Star Wars icons, extra-terrestrials, and space travelers. Families will be able to "Trick or Treat" at the Chabot Space & Science Center, drink spooky punch, and learn about science from a different perspective. All activities taking place in the Discovery Lab along with demonstrations by the Galaxy Explorers are available at no additional cost with general admission. Activities in these two areas will be occurring between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The observatory will be open until 10 p.m. and families are welcome to enjoy the activities, including telescope viewing during the evening hours, until closing. Visitors to the "Sinister Science Halloween Party" will be treated to a unique and enjoyable experience. Don't miss it! Sinister Science Halloween Party Saturday, October 29 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Space missions: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Chabot Space & Science Center 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland (510) 336-7300 www.chabotspace.org General admission: Adults: $15.95 Seniors and students: $12.95 Ages 3-12: $11.95