Chemistry mixes learning, fun at Ashland
Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Friday, September 23, 2011
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Scenes from the 'COSI on Wheels' chemistry experiments at Ashland Elementary ...
Something unusual was brewing at Ashland Elementary, and it wasn’t in the kitchen.
Students flocked to the gym throughout the morning to dabble in chemistry experiments coordinated by COSI on Wheels, a mobile unit from the Columbus, Ohio-based Center of Science and Industry.
“Chemistry is the study of everything! Whether seen or unseen, everything is matter,” outreach educator Joe Butler explained. “We’re introducing them to things they’ll get to later in more depth.”
The kids fanned out to rotate through nearly a dozen interactive stations, where specials teachers, parents and volunteers from Ashland Inc. guided the hands-on experiments.
“Since a lot of what we do is chemistry-oriented, we’re all about getting kids interested in chemistry and showing them it can be fun,” said Jamie Daasch, who works in a Valvoline development lab. “Once you give them a little spark, it can do wonderful things.”
At her station, students stamped their hands with ultraviolet ink and held them under a black light to see the results. Nearby, other kids tested the pH level of household chemicals and examined the shape of powder granules under a microscope.
Across the gym, various experiments illustrated the three states of matter, chemical vs. physical changes, density, and chemical luminescent reactions creating light without using heat.
At each stop, the kids had a chance to practice problem-solving skills and manipulate materials for an individualized experience.
Art teacher Bev Brue staffed the popular “slime” booth, where the children mixed chemicals and primary colors to create a non-Newtonian substance that’s not exactly solid, liquid or gas.
“They love the magic of science,” as Brue said, “and it makes them curious.”
Volunteer Kushi Reddy, who earned degrees in biology and chemistry, was in her element.
“As a parent, this is an excellent opportunity to see what they’re teaching at Ashland,” she said.
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