Outreach program creates great chemistry

H ave you ever wondered what chemicals could change red cabbage juice green? Or how clear liquid could magically turn blue? An outreach program bringing together University chemists with children from area schools has given local students the answers to these and many more questions.

Since 1996, University undergraduates, graduate students, researchers, faculty, and industrial scientists have gone into local schools to perform science demonstrations for kindergartners to eighth-graders, and some high school students. The program is sponsored by the Department of Chemistry, whose scientists believe that bringing exciting and fun science to school-age children is the main step in developing new scientists.

Calvin Uzelmeier, a post-doctoral research associate with the department, says the chemists show children the scientific method through various experiments and teach them how to make observations to come up with their own theories. "We want to demystify science and show them that this is something that's fun, and when it's fun they want to do it," he says.

Another of the program's goals is to show that anyone can be a scientist. The University chemists represent various races and ages, as well as both men and women, eliminating the stereotype of "a white-coated frizzy-haired mad scientist," says Uzelmeier. Also, the chemists are often closer in age to the students, making it easy for students to relate to the visitors.

The chemists perform experiments in the classroom that pique the students' curiosity. A popular experiment called the "blue bottle" introduces students to the scientific method. The children are shown a flask of a mysterious clear liquid that when shaken changes color. The children aren't only amazed but also learn that materials in the flask such as sodium hydroxide, water, and air change color when mixed with methylene blue.

Besides going into the classroom, the University chemists also provide other outreach programs for students and teachers. One of the major events is the "Chemistry in Action Show," where the Undergraduate Chemistry Council runs chemistry demonstrations for approximately 400 students from Rochester schools.

In addition, the department hosts "Science Saturday" programs at the Rochester Museum & Science Center that feature hands-on activities and two large stage presentations. It also has a summer research program for teachers to help them update their chemistry skills through short courses and review their experiences through group meetings.

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