Last Friday, Nov. 10 in Schmucker Science South, Gamma Sigma Epsilon (the Chemistry Honors Society) and the Alchemists Club joined forces to bring younger students into the art of chemistry through their event called “Chem Craze.” Fourteen West Chester University students gathered with the goal of fun, entertainment and inspiring younger students to learn about science, specifically chemistry.
The purpose of the event was to help the next generation have the curiosity and perseverance to seek knowledge and experiment with their natural world. This will help the entire world become a more ingenious, welcoming place.
The event was tailored for students in middle school, between the ages of eight to 12 years old, with many interesting experiments using all of the senses. First demonstrations were put on by WCU students and included some large model experiments like Elephant’s Toothpaste and making yellow paint pigment out of water solutions.
There were then some experiments that produced light. Everyone was in the dark for a moment as the luminal was oxidized and glowed a bright blue through the room. Another demonstration was looking at Fluorescein in water under a black light which showed how the solution slowly diffused and turned the whole cylinder of water bright green.
After the demonstrations, every attendee was split up into groups of three or four middle schoolers with two or three WCU students. There were five stations of hands-on experiments including Malory’s station of cornstarch and water which made a non-Newtonian liquid.
She said her favorite part of Chem Craze was “teaching the students about how cornstarch and water, household items, when mixed together created a non-Newtonian liquid,” meaning it isn’t completely a liquid or a solid. Try it at home if you’re curious. The event also involved the girls in making their own mini-Elephant Toothpaste with baking soda and vinegar. Furthermore, they learned how to use color indicators for acids and bases and created their own slime.
Kaity noted that helping the students customize their slime was fun and showing them “that you can get creative with science was a pretty solid experience.” All of the volunteers loved the energy of the kids and their enthusiasm about learning.
The evening was brought to a close with ice cream made from simple ingredients and frozen with liquid nitrogen. Pablo liked bonding with some of the students about their favorite ice cream flavor. “Team strawberry for life,” he said.
In the upcoming year, the organizations plan to collaborate on more events. The Alchemists Club is focused on bringing the West Chester University students involved in the Chemistry Department together and serving the students through closer friendships with professors and walk-in tutoring in the chem lounge.
Gamma Sigma Epsilon, the Chemistry Honors Society, is an organization dedicated to excellence and helping students grow their chemistry knowledge as well as giving back to the community. Both of these organizations are passionate about involving more members and serving their fellow students.
If you would like to join either organization, please email KS847690@wcupa.edu for the Alchemists Club and/or OK851646@wcupa.edu for Gamma Sigma Epsilon. Next semester a detective themed night of experiments for high schoolers is being scheduled.
Olivia Kimber is a third-year student majoring in chemistry education with a minor in dance. She can be reached at OK851646@wcupa.edu.