Chemistry show entertains children with science of fun

Jim Pennington, the Chemistry Road Show coordinator, knew exactly how to get the undivided attention of every child at the Westside Community Center on Saturday afternoon with fire, explosions and crazy chemical reactions.

Texas A&M University sponsored a free Chemistry Road Show for the enjoyment of both children and adults on Saturday at the Westside Community Center in New Braunfels. The event, which began at 1 p.m., was taught by Jim Pennington, an instructional assistant professor and research associate at Texas A&M and the Chemistry Road Show coordinator.

Pennington, who said they put on about 60 to 70 Chemistry Road Show presentations every year around the state of Texas, encouraged the 100 or so children who attended to enjoy the show and ask questions during the event.

A lot of people call these a chemical magic show, Pennington said, while putting on a wizard hat. Im going to try and show some of that today but also try and explain most of the reactions I do. I want yall to ask me questions though and participate, even though you cant really get hands-on.

During the presentation, the professor created various chemical reactions using dry ice, carbon dioxide, fire, liquid nitrogen and several other chemicals that he warned the kids never to mess with because they can be very dangerous.

Pennington, who has been involved with the Chemical Road Show for five years, hopes that his presentations will inspire kids to become more involved with math and science.

You cant do science if youre afraid of being wrong, Pennington said. We like for everyone to like science, although not everyone here will want to be a scientist. But if you do, you wont spend your time doing magic tricks. Most of the time, youll be fixing things.

Stephanie Garmin, a New Braunfels resident who brought her daughters to the community center on Saturday to watch the show, desires for all her children to have a better appreciation for science.

Weve been in New Braunfels for about two years now, and we go to a lot of community events for the kids, Garmin said. We like doing things with our hands, and this is a safe way to do it. Were all excited, and I think it should be a lot of fun. We love the whole science thing its a blast.

The Chemistry Road Show was part of the New Braunfels Public Librarys Summer Reading Program. The theme for this summer is science, and Megan Clark, part of the youth services staff at the public library, said the crowd on Saturday was one of the largest she has seen so far.

Visit link:
Chemistry show entertains children with science of fun