Students toy with chemistry

UB's chemistry majors are out to prove this week that no one plays around like chemistry students do.

With "The Joy of Toys," the theme for this year's National Chemistry Week, UB students are hoping to inspire a few future chemistry majors of their own, giving demonstrations of magic writing, making slime, and sailing soap-powered boats at local schools, community centers and scout troops throughout the week.

As experts bemoan declining interest in the sciences in the United States, events like chemistry week are trying to recapture that spark. The "Extreme Tour," headed up by UB's graduate chemistry department and involving over 60 chemistry students.

"National Chemistry Week is a wonderful opportunity for graduate and undergraduate students alike to interact with the community to promote the positive aspects of chemistry," said Ruth Mistretta, a graduate student in the department of medicinal chemistry.

One of the "coolest" experiments involves the usage of liquid nitrogen to make ice cream.

"It's fun seeing the kids' faces when they make ice cream with milk and liquid nitrogen," said Patrick Wieder, a senior chemistry major.

Other experiments, like secret writing, in which a message is written on a polymer and when elongated it reveals a secret message, are also a big hit with kids.

"This is an excellent way to get kids involved and excited about chemistry," said Rachel Dibbell, a graduate chemistry student.

For some students, the week is their best chance to get away from classes and have some plain old fun.

"I am excited to deceive some younger kids into thinking that chemistry is both fun and interesting," said Stephen Slocum, a senior biochemistry major.

"I have organized and participated in NCW. It is a great way for UB and chemistry to interact with possible future students in a positive manner," said David Hoth, a postdoctoral candidate in chemistry. "The favorite experiment for everyone is using liquid nitrogen to make ice cream in less than a minute."

Greg Soja, a graduate chemistry student, said he's looking forward to the events because it engages students while spreading education in a unique way, which is exactly why the week was created in the first place.

"I feel that if we get just one youth interested in chemistry, and in the sciences in general, then the entire week is worth it. Chemistry is an ever-growing field filled with exciting new opportunities for hard working individuals."

"It is a good learning experience for all participants and a way to have some fun with chemistry," said graduate chemistry student Phillip Page.

David Watson, a professor in the chemistry department, said this is often one of the community's best chances to get students interested in the sciences.

"National Chemistry Week presents a great opportunity for University at Buffalo researchers to reach out to the Buffalo-Niagara community. We are very excited to introduce children and teachers to some basic principles of chemistry and to the excitement of scientific research," said David Watson, professor in the chemistry department.

Along with the events that will be presented to students, three other public events have also been scheduled for Oct. 20-21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Buffalo Museum of Science, and on Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. at the Boulevard Mall.

"Volunteers spend their time sharing knowledge and enthusiasm with elementary, middle school students to interest them in a field they might not know much about," said Ruth Mistretta, a graduate medicinal chemistry student. "In past years, UB has won numerous awards from this event in conjunction with other chemistry outreach programs held."