[wzslider autoplay=”true” info=”true” lightbox=”true” exclude=”thumb.jpg”]
In honor of National Chemistry Week, the Department of Chemistry at Union University hosted several chemistry-related events across campus to inform and entertain students.
From Oct. 19-25, the annual celebration focused on the importance of showing chemistry’s use in everyday life. Union faculty and staff planned a unique event for each day of the week.
This year’s theme, “The Sweet Side of Chemistry,” had Union’s Student Members of the American Chemical Society chapter kicking off the week with a periodic table of sweets. Students ate a giant periodic table of elements constructed out of candy.
With another emphasis on the periodic table, the walkway in front of White Hall was decorated with chalk to display all of the elements. The “Sidewalk Chalk of Elements” made its appearance Tuesday.
By midweek, the chemistry department added another element of sugar with liquid nitrogen ice cream. A booth located outside of Brewer Dining Hall on Wednesday gave students the opportunity to watch chemical reactions create a delicious treat.
Using milk and syrup for flavor, the chemistry students poured the nitrogen to freeze the substance. Erin Noel, sophomore chemistry minor, explained that “the only thing we get [from the liquid nitrogen] is the cold.” The nitrogen is immediately evaporated, he said.
National Mole Day, celebrated annually on Oct. 23, recognizes Avogadro’s number (6.02×10^23). Naturally, Thursday’s events included the breaking of the traditional “Moelata” and the crowning of the Mole King and Mole Queen.
Capping off the week, the fire and light demonstrations took place on the Great Lawn outside of White Hall. The evening included several chemical performances from faculty and staff that were full of colors and sounds.
Dr. Randy Johnston, professor of chemistry and department chairman, said he hoped National Chemistry Week has made Union students aware of SMACS presence on campus and chemistry’s overall benefit to society.
“[National Chemistry Week] is about wanting people to know that chemistry has done a lot of good things for society,” Johnston said.
The professor was happy with attendance at the events.
“Hopefully more [students] know about SMACS,” he said.
To augment the entertainment, daily brown bag seminars were led by chemistry majors. Focused on education, these research presentations were opened to the public and attendees were encouraged to bring their lunch.
The final event for National Chemistry Week was a semi-formal dinner with a keynote address by Dr. Ben Mitchell, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. The address took place in the Carl Grant Event Center on Tuesday, Oct. 28. Dinner was served promptly at 6:02 p.m., corresponding again with Avogadro’s Number, with Mitchell’s address, “Better Chemistry Through Living,” beginning at 7:00 p.m.
