Instructor Clarence Hann IV said this is his fifth year letting juniors and seniors participate in the exercise. While the exploding pumpkins do tie into the class's chemistry lesson, Hann said it's important that students get to do more than just listen to him lecture.
"Lectures every day are boring," said Hann. "Lectures and worksheets are only half the battle. They need to have some hands on experience and get the chance to step outside of the box. This is just a way to let them get involved in chemistry. We're blessed to be at this school because we are able to do stuff like this."
Following the pumpkin carving portion of the experiment, students gathered outside the school to take in the self-carving pumpkins as they exploded one by one to reveal each group's creations. For junior Kendal Harris, the chance to take part in the project was something she's been looking forward to for years.
"I think it's pretty fun," said Harris. "Ever since I was a freshmen here, I've been excited to do this experiment. It's one of the reasons I took chemistry. I mean, it's a little scary because it makes this loud "boom!" but it's still really fun."