All Souls Students Blast Off at Wacky Science Night
Photo – Ari G. Arambula
For one evening, the All Souls World Language Catholic School campus transformed from a traditional school into a vibrant science laboratory, complete with a futuristic speeder parked out front.
By Ari Gutierrez Arambula
Students and their families gathered on September 11 for the school’s eighth annual Wacky Science Night, an event filled with hands-on experiments and interactive demonstrations led by All Souls parents. This year’s theme, “All Souls’ STEM Is Out of This World!” was particularly fitting, featuring a model hovercraft that echoed the iconic speeders from the original Star Wars films. Students explored real-world principles of force, motion, air pressure, and engineering through the themed experiments.
The night also showcased a significant new academic initiative at All Souls: the expansion of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning opportunities for every elementary student. This initiative, part of the school’s Academic Excellence priority, is rooted in the belief that collaboration among parents, teachers, alumni, and students enhances the educational experience.
Principal Dr. Patrick Allison emphasized the community’s importance in this initiative. “All Souls is built on the idea that we are better together,” he stated, highlighting how the same collaborative model that established the school’s Mandarin and Spanish dual-language programs will guide the development of the new STEM curriculum.
Eight Years of “Wacky” Science
The tradition of Wacky Science Night began in 2018, when a group of parents aimed to create an immersive science and engineering experience for families. Dr. Demian Willette, an All Souls parent and Loyola Marymount University professor, has been involved since its inception. He fondly recalls the enthusiasm that has characterized the event, including his own “mad scientist” look during demonstrations.
At its core, the event embodies community spirit. Dr. Willette noted, “Wacky Science Night has been fueled by the energy and generosity of All Souls parents,” many of whom might not have STEM backgrounds but share a belief in its importance.
The event adapted to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, transitioning to “Wacky Science Night @ Home” in 2020. Parents created science kits for families to conduct experiments at home during a live Zoom event featuring demonstrations.
Through this evolution, students gained the independence to follow instructions and explore science in a hands-on way. Eight years later, the commitment from parents to design activities, donate materials, and volunteer continues to make this initiative possible.
Dr. Willette expressed gratitude for the families that have contributed over the years: “So many parents and families have stepped up to create something truly memorable for our students.”
Principal Allison echoed this sentiment, underscoring that the community’s expertise and enthusiasm shine through during events like Wacky Science Night. On September 11, as children gathered around a hovercraft demonstration, the excitement of science was palpable—students experienced it firsthand rather than just reading about it in textbooks.
