Calvin's Chem Demos Ignite May 17-19

May 15, 2006 == MEDIA ADVISORY

For the 16th straight year Calvin College professor of chemistry Larry Louters
will perform a variety of captivating chemistry demonstrations for area school
children.

All told some 1,300 fifth-graders, representing a variety of schools, will be
wowed by chemistry at Calvin on May 17, May 18 and May 19.

For the complete schedule and roster of schools see
http://www.calvin.edu/news/releases/2005_06/chem_demos.htm

As in past years, the demos will see Louters perform 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 and other visual
thrills guaranteed to capture the attention of 11-year-olds!

Last year, for example, he introduced a new trick - one in which he and
colleague Rich Huisman scoop up methane-filled soap bubbles, walk into the
audience and ignite the bubbles.

Says Louters with a big grin: "A huge flame erupting from an open hand is
pretty spectacular."

But all the fun has an ulterior motive for Louters and Huisman.

"I figure if we can reach kids early enough, and get them excited about
chemistry," says Louters, "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."
 
Contact Louters at 616-526-6493 or lout@calvin.edu
For the full story see
http://www.calvin.edu/news/releases/2005_06/chem_demos.htm

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Received on Mon May 15 00:15:04 2006