WVU Chemistry Department Presents Annual Children’s Chemistry Show

MORGANTOWN -

West Virginia University's Chemistry Department presented its annual 'Children's Chemistry Show.' There was a 75 minute presentation show that featured demonstrations, hands-on activities, and for those who wanted a tour of the WVU Chemistry facilities.

"So what we try to do is find some things that are interesting, but still entertaining and to get people interested in what Chemistry is about. It is basically figuring out how to make new materials and things like that," said Terry Gullion, professor of Chemistry.

Some of the most popular demonstrations from years past returned while many of the demonstrations were brand new.

"It's an opportunity to start giving kids a hands on. 'This is what chemistry is, this is what you want to do if you go down this road.' And I think it's very interesting stuff," Gullion said.

Even when the show was over, the learning didn't stop. The children could participate in activities with the faculty and volunteers that consisted of undergraduate students from the university.

"All we think about is stimulate interest because kids at this stage, their imagination is wild. Whenever you can give them a chance to lead that imagination onto science, I always think that is a good sign," said Ming Ming Xu, of the WVU Chemistry Department.

Some of the experiments the children were able to help with were popping balloons filled with helium and hydrogen using a flame, and placing items into liquid nitrogen to see the properties change and objects freeze.

"You don't want to force science data or boring knowledge on them. Let them see. This stuff is interesting. They have that natural curiosity," Xu said.

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WVU Chemistry Department Presents Annual Children's Chemistry Show