Kent State University at Ashtabula will feature over 25 free hands-on demonstrations and experiments for scientists of all ages at “The Healing Powers of Chemistry”, a free community-wide National Chemistry Week event, on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. in Robert S. Morrison Hall (3300 Lake Road West).
“National Chemistry Week is celebrated around the world and it’s very exciting to be able to host a wonderful – and free – event here in Ashtabula and on our campus,” said Ann Abraham, Ph.D, associate professor of chemistry and chair of the Northeastern Ohio local section of the American Chemistry Society. “We have a lot of people from across Ashtabula, Lake, Geauga and Cuyahoga Counties participating and it will be a lot of fun for everyone in attendance.”
Activities range from playing in a rocket ship and reading beginner science books for little guests to jewelry and fabric making for older students. Other experiments include polymer bead strands, seed paper making and fiber analysis with microscopes. High school and college students can have their resumes reviewed and participate in mock interviews.
Tasty experiments like sno-cone making and popcorn popping offer educational snack breaks. Plus, the first 25 grandparents receive a “grandparents teaching kit” with proof of grandchildren and there will be an appearance and show – featuring the fan-favorite balloon animals - by Swifty the Clown!
National Chemistry Week (NCW) promotes the value of chemistry in everyday life, with local sections, student communities, technical divisions, businesses, schools, and individuals in communicating the importance of chemistry to our quality of life. Started in 1987 as National Chemistry Day, NCW is celebrated every year during the third week in October.
This year’s theme is “The Healing Power of Chemistry.” Chemistry plays a crucial role in formulating the medicines we take when we get sick, developing the vaccinations we roll our sleeves up for, and testing the blood samples that we provide at our doctors’ offices.
According to the American Chemical Society, the theme recognizes the tremendous advances made by medical professionals and scientists with inspiration from ancient peoples’ habits, from plants and animals in the wild, and from our own bodies’ mechanisms to prevent, fight, heal, and restore us to health.
For more information, visit www.kent.edu/ashtabula, the ACS chapter site at www.neoacslocal.wixsite.com/neoacs, or contact Dr. Abraham at aabraha3@kent.edu.
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