The University of Calgary Chemistry Department’s 14th annual Chemistry Show lived up to this year’s motto. With the combination of bright-eyed kids, enthusiastic volunteers, happy organizers and parents, it was indeed a “Chem-tastic Show.”
The show concluded National Chemistry Week Sat., Oct. 22 at Market Mall.
“We want to show our visitors that chemistry is not something out of anybody’s reach,” said organizer Majda Djordjevic.
The combination of hands-on activities and demonstrations appeared to achieve Djordjevic’s goal, as everyone from preschoolers to parents ran from demonstration to demonstration, eager to take part in the action.
The slime display proved to be the most popular, with participants making their own bag of green goo to take home.
The show was a positive experience for both participants and volunteers, with the popularity of volunteering at one of the 14 displays leading Djordjevic to turn away volunteers.
“I am going to do it until I end university, maybe even after,” said volunteer and second year Biological Sciences student Lily Choi.
Djordjevic said the Chemistry Show aims to recruit future chemists to the field.
Twelve-year-old Sahar Moh-ammad-Zadeh was convinced.
“I love chemistry,” she said, noting she learned a lot about chemical reactions and she definitely wants to come back next year.
Father Lee Cummins brought along his two daughters and said the show was very beneficial especially for young girls because it sparked their interest in science.