From the fire-blazing explosions of hydrogen bubbles to the whirlpool of color changing solutions of hydrogen peroxide and iodide iron, Friday’s science show excited the many local children who attended as part of the DREAM mentoring program.
The show was sponsored by Aspiring Doctors of Color (ADOC) — a network and support group for minorities who are interested in going into the health field and the sciences — and the department of chemistry and biochemistry. The presenters performed science experiments filled with eye-catching chemical reactions and ear-popping explosions. Highlights included demonstrations of chemiluminescence with glowing liquids, hydrogen peroxide mixed with soap, food coloring and a potassium iodide catalyst to create a gushing column of colored foam also known as “elephant toothpaste,” and the ever-popular liquid nitrogen ice cream.
Student presenters also shared their love of chemistry and science in general.
“I think science has a reputation of being way too hard and confusing, when really loads of scientific discovered were made entirely by accident, like penicillin,” said Melissa Hirsch ’11. “Most of it is really accessible to everyone if they are willing to listen and ask questions, and if they have someone willing to explain ideas.”
Organizers of the show also felt it was important to invite children from DREAM, a non-profit mentoring program that pairs college students with children living in subsidized housing developments in Vermont, as well as children from the Community Friends program, in which Middlebury students are matched as mentors with Addison Country children.
“Science is awesome and kids should know that too,” said Hirsch. “I think science experiments are a great and obvious way to get kids to wonder and start asking ‘Why?’ or to get them to notice patterns, to empower them in general.”
ADOC Ignites Local Children's Interest in Science
Comments
