Forget about tossing batons or belting a show tune. Miss Vermont channeled her inner nerd as she took the stage in Atlantic City September 10 during the Miss America preliminary rounds.
During the talent demonstration, Alayna Westcom explained that "science is all around us," before donned protective goggles to mix some chemicals and create a foamy eruption she calls "elephant's toothpaste." She advised "don't try this at home" and showcased her skills by literally blowing things up on stage.
Her science experiment is commonly known as "Elephant's Toothpaste." The science behind it is simple: potassium iodide speeds up the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, which rapidly breaks down into oxygen and water. The water foams up the soap, and the oxygen shoots it up out of its container. She added a little food coloring to add a little extra flair!
Westcom loves science and hoped to use her platform to encourage other young girls to get into the field. She graduated in 2013 with a degree in forensic science from Bay Path University in Longmeadow, MA and got an internship with the Vermont state medical examiner’s office.
Watch the video below to see the amazing results and tell us what you think. If you were impressed, please SHARE this video with your friends on Facebook.
