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11.09.05 ACS members make chemistry magic for elementary students Eight members of Erskine's student affiliate branch of the American Chemical Society (ACS) visited Cherokee Trail Elementary School in Donalds Friday, where they conducted chemistry experiments for an appreciative audience of seventh-graders. "Kids like it if it's bright, shiny, explosive or gooey!" said sophomore Amanda Musielak, a biology major from Williamston, who did a "CSI experiment" using luminal and a bloodlike substance to demonstrate the detection of bloodstains. Zach Davis, a sophomore and chemistry major from Greenville, reported that the group performed five experiments, "covering topics from states of matter to reactivity," and added, "We even made 'slime.'" Biology major Brandie Howell, a sophomore from Rock Hill who hopes to go to dental school, said the Erskine students also spoke about opportunities available in Erskine's chemistry department and did some teaching. "We performed several demonstrations for the students and explained the chemistry that makes the experiments possible," Howell said. Serving as co-advisers to Erskine's ACS students are Drs. Chrystal Bruce and Rachel Smith. "We have done one or two of these 'Chemistry Magic Shows' at local elementary schools for the past few years," Smith said. Sophomore Megan Pannell, a chemistry major from Greensboro, N.C., made "elephant's toothpaste" for the students using hydrogen peroxide and potassium iodide in a cylinder with dishwashing soap. "When the hydrogen peroxide and potassium iodide reacted together, it was supposed to come out like really thick and foamy toothpaste," she said. "Apparently I didn't put enough soap in, so instead we got a huge cloud of white smoke and then the 'toothpaste' came out but it was kind of 'goopy.'" Despite the "goopy" result, Pannell said, "The kids loved it and I thought it looked like something a crazy Halloween scientist would do." "This experience reminded me of the fun that can be found in science," Howell said. "The kids' eagerness and excitement made the trip very worthwhile." "They were all really excited," said Davis. "We saw the importance of introducing students to science at an early age." Davis, who hopes either to earn a Ph.D. and teach at the college level or study for a Pharm. D. and go into research, said, "I myself participated in a program like this in Greenville, and it really got me interested in science." Erskine's ACS group holds regular meetings and participates in "as many programs in the community as possible," Davis said. "We regularly go to visit schools and perform science demonstrations." Noting that Erskine's Parent Association Council recently provided funds to purchase supplies for ACS programs, Smith said the group is scheduled to visit an elementary school in Greenwood later this semester. ACS officers are seniors Renee Bozard, president; Susanna Downing, vice president, and Janna Register, secretary-treasurer. The three officers had classes Friday afternoon and were unable to accompany the group, but ACS was well represented. Participants in the chemistry demonstration at Cherokee Trail, in addition to Davis, Howell, Musielak and Pannell, included sophomores Courtney Gates, Josh Meador, Meredith Millar and Anthony Wotring. "ACS is also planning a trip to the national American Chemical Society meeting in March in Atlanta, where at least six of our students will be presenting their research," Smith said. ACS membership is open to majors in chemistry, pre-medicine and science that are recommended by American Chemical Society members. Erskine's student affiliate branch was established in 1969.
Elephant's toothpaste experiment creates smoke. |
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