Our goal was to teach elementary school children about chemistry by demonstrating the relationship between household chemicals, their health, and their future. We attempted to accomplish this by nourishing and growing their curiosity in chemistry and science in general, in a fun and thought provoking way. This was done by using experiments that illustrated the differences between hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances and showing the participants how they are used in the environment. Also ultra violet light sensitive beads were used as a gateway to explain the harmful effects of ultra violet light on their skin and eyes. Undergraduates in the second semester of organic chemistry conducted all of the demonstrations to inspire and encourage the next generation to go into science, and this project also gave the participating undergraduates a chance to get involved in the local community.[Grant support: NIH NCRR INBRE grant 2 P20 RR016472-11]

Chemistry - our health, our future

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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