Not everyone is fascinated by ions and electrons, but community members couldn’t resist an electric glowing pickle on Saturday during a science magic show at The Science Factory.
The chemistry and physics magic show — hosted by Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society, a University chemistry club — was held in celebration of National Chemistry Week, which began Sunday and lasts through Oct. 25. The show featured various displays, including bubbling chemical reactions and metals ignited with colorful flames.
The chemistry club, which has about 60 members from different majors such as environmental science, biology and chemistry, has been presenting its knowledge of science throughout the community for about a year, according to SAACS President Emily May.
“One of the main goals is to inform the public of our love of chemistry,” May said.
The show at the hands-on science museum near Autzen Stadium drew a crowd of nearly 40 children and their parents, many who expressed delight at the presentation of chemistry and physics phenomena.
Tracey Edmundson, coordinator of education and volunteers at The Science Factory, said she was happy to have University students volunteering their time to teach children.
“It’s really engaging with the kids, and it’s a level of science that we’re not really able to provide,” she said, adding that as a non-profit organization, the factory can’t afford the equipment necessary for demonstrations appearing at Saturday’s show.
“This is really awesome, and we’re definitely going to do it a lot more,” she said.
SAACS collaborated with another outreach program called ChemDemos, which is directed by the club’s faculty advisor and chemistry instructor, Randy Sullivan. ChemDemos, along with members of SAACS, presents chemistry demonstrations for local schools and non-profit organizations.
“It’s fun — I believe that learning can be fun,” Sullivan said, adding that outreach also fulfills the University’s mission to enrich the community and promotes the chemistry department.
Students in the physics department, who help set up demonstrations in University classes, also brought their scientific expertise of science to the show.
“When you make it interesting at a young age you’re more likely to be interested in it later on in life,” junior physics major Sandra Penny said.
Other events in celebration of National Chemistry Week include a demonstration on Thursday in the Willamette Hall Atrium from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. where members of SAACS will hand out information about cleaning products that are safer for the environment.
May said the club hopes to inform the public of the concept of “green chemistry.”
“One of our main goals is to try and get people to stop using harsh chemicals that are unsafe for them and unsafe for the environment, such as bleach,” she said, adding that the club encourages people to use less harsh products for cleaning, such as vinegar or baking soda.
A celebration will also be held on Friday at 1 p.m. in room 171 of the Onyx Bridge for anyone who is interested in joining the club.
“Most of the students who join the club are interested in the health care field or pursuing careers in education or in the sciences,” she said.