Chemistry Science Fair: A Day of Discovery and Curiosity

As the doors to the Chemistry Science Fair opened, a wave of colorful quotes greeted the eager elementary students stepping into a world where science is celebrated as much as it is explored. “Everything is chemicals and energy!” read one banner, setting the stage for a day of learning and wonder. Another quote proclaimed,

“Life happens. Chemistry explains (a lot of) it.”

Density!

The initiative was the brainchild of Kim Copeland and her high school chemistry students, who dedicated themselves to creating an unforgettable experience for their younger peers. “The kitchen is a laboratory and everything that happens there is science,” read yet another sign, inviting students to see the world around them through the lens of chemistry and making everything they did together extremely relatable. 

Projects at the fair ranged from an engaging experiment with oil, water, dish soap, syrup, and honey to test the concept of density, to the ever-popular slime, featuring different activators. “Chemistry is solids, liquids, gases and some weird in-between materials.” One student perfectly described the non-Newtonian fluid known as oobleck, and it was definitely a favorite among the exhibits.

Bubbles!

One standout project, “Glow with the Flow,” featured slime that glows in the dark. We especially love that the high school students chose things they knew would be interesting for the elementary students to learn about—glow in the dark! Oobleck! Bubbles!

Among the hands-on experiences was a strawberry DNA extraction, where students mashed strawberries, added an extraction solution of soap, salt, and water, filtered it, and then added alcohol to reveal the gooey, sticky substance of DNA. “The final product is a gooey, sticky substance, but that is DNA!” explained one high school participant. 

Kim Copeland, reflecting on the success of the day, shared a favorite quote from Albert Einstein: “’Never lose a holy curiosity!’ This has been a great day. This helps us reawaken our curiosity. High school and elementary engaging and trying new things helps us all be more curious and better learners.”

What a wonderful experience for everyone involved! Thank you to our high school chemistry teacher, Kim Copeland and the elementary teachers for this collaboration which is so exciting to witness.