From: Phil deHaan (dehp@calvin.edu)
Date: Mon May 19 2003 - 14:38:23 EDT
May 19, 2003 == MEDIA ADVISORY
<<<contact Larry Louters at 526-6492>>>
Nails made from lasagna, racquetballs that shatter like glass, exploding pop
bottles and rags that don't burn? All part of the annual science
demonstrations for fifth graders at Calvin College by chemistry professor Larry
Louters.
This is the 13th year for the science demos. And, as in past years, they are
an enjoyable mix of education and entertainment, designed to not only teach
children some of the more basic laws of chemistry, but do so in a fun way that
may encourage kids to pursue the study of chemistry at the high school and
college level.
Louters's act is a blend of Mr. Rogers and David Copperfield as he mixes
kind-hearted science instruction with explosions, flames, disappearing pennies,
liquids that change colors and melting styrofoam cups. He makes a balloon
shrink and shrivel when dipped in liquid hydrogen and then magically reinflates
it upon exposure to the air. He spills burning liquid methane on the floor and
throws flaming paper in the air only to have it vanish without a trace.
"It's fun for me," Louters says, "and I know the kids enjoy it too. And
hopefully they'll learn a few things."
Letters that Louters receives from students speak of both the enjoyment and
the education that the seminars provide.
"I enjoyed the big boom a lot," said one student. "Thank you for inviting us
to your lab." Wrote another student: "Thank you for sharing your knowledge."
And one girl thought it was "cool" when Louters "set fire to the towel and it
didn't burn."
Says Louters: "I figure if we can reach kids early enough, and get them
excited about chemistry, maybe they'll remember it when they get to high school
or college and want to take it again. The beautiful thing about these
demonstrations is that they all want to be chemists afterwards."
Louters did two demonstrations on Monday (got about 240 students) and has two
more slated for Wednesday, May 21 and two others on Friday, May 23 (see below
for times and schools). All of the demos take place in Gezon Auditorium
(pronounced GUH ZON) on Calvin's campus (located just inside the lobby of the
Spoelhof Center, the main administration building on campus).
SCHEDULE FOR SCIENCE DEMOS AT CALVIN COLLEGE
Wednesday, May 21 from 9:30-10:45 am
about 120 students from Rockford Christian, Ottawa Hills Montessori and
Millbrook Christian
Wednesday, May 21 from 1-2:15 pm
about 250 students from Excel Charter, Alexander, Plymouth Christian and
Chandler Woods Charter
Friday, May 23 from 9:30-10:45 am
about 75 students from Westside Christian and Kelloggsville Christian
Friday, May 23 from 1-2:15 pm
about 150 students from S.E. Academic Center, Creston Christian and Chandler
Woods
-end-
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