Dry Ice and Halloween

So guys Halloween is coming up soon! Kids are excited, adults are excited and science minded people are excited. Here is an excellent example to mix science into this halloween. This video details how one can use dry ice to set the ambience for Halloween. If you want to take it one step further, you can even make a home made fog machine.

Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide. You can make a dense fog by adding dry ice to hot water or steam. The carbon dioxide is vaporized, making a fog, and the cooling of the surrounding air condenses water into vapor adding to the effect. A steam machine can be made by using a styrofoam cooler. Just add hot water and ice. Be sure to periodically refill both water and dry ice or the effect will end. Kids will love it and you can add an ominous aura to your halloween display.

Keep in mind that dry ice can cause frostbite so use protective measures when handling. Also make sure you are in a ventilated area as doing this will increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the air.