Saginaw Chippewa Academy Demonstrations: 

On March 24th, 2006 the ACS-SA had the pleasure of performing demos for 4th and 5th grade students at the Saginaw Chippewa Academy.  Some of the demos performed were Dissolving Foam Cup, Oscillating Clock Reaction, Elephant’s Toothpaste, and Mentos Fountain.  This annual event is an excellent function that not only promotes community interaction between the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and the ACS-SA but it also allows for Native Americans and their children to learn about Chemistry and see what it has to offer.

McGuire Elementary Demonstrations:

The student affiliates performed a series of demonstrations for an audience of approximately 100 elementary school students.  Our intent was to strike an interest in chemistry.  Our performance included demonstrations such as the Iodine Clock Reaction, Elephant’s Toothpaste, Liquid Nitrogen, Soda Pop Geyser, Sterno, and a Density Column.  The affiliates asked questions to the students and chose volunteers throughout the performance, which generated great excitement and enthusiasm.  After the demos were over, students crowded around each of the three demonstration tables to ask questions and talk with our ACS members.  The students were reluctant to be beckoned back to class by the teachers.  The ACS affiliates were equally fulfilled and also had a wonderful time that afternoon

Relay for Life:

The American Cancer Society holds a fundraiser every spring on the Central Michigan University campus entitled Relay for Life.  This event is a 24-hour walk-a-thon.  The CMU chapter of ACSSA has been participating in this fundraiser for the past four years.  Each year we set up a table to promote the usefulness of chemistry research in looking for a cure as well as participate in fund-raisers to support this worthy cause. This year our team name was Chemists on Route for a Cure since the theme was “Road Trip.  We had a silent auction and our auctioned items included an MSU basketball signed by Tom Izzo, a Detroit Lions football signed by Joey Harrington, and a Detroit Redwings hockey puck signed by Nicholas Lidstrom.  We also made liquid nitrogen ice cream in which all proceeds have also gone to the American Cancer Society.  We raised over $900 for the American Cancer Society.

Pre-School Demonstrations:

Pre-school kids + Chemistry demos = FUN was the expression on the children’s faces when the ACS-SA performed demos for them on April 20th, 2006. The children were able to see how different aspects of Chemistry appear in their daily lives at such a young age. Some of the demos performed were Oscillating Clock reaction, Elephant’s Toothpaste, Mentos Fountain, and a welcome sign that uses Universal Indicator and spray bottle containing Ammonia. It was a fun experience for both the students and the kids and we look forward to inviting them next year to see some more demos.

Dog Tales Bowling:

Dog Tales is an organization that uses therapy dogs that listen to children while reading. By doing so a child is able to improve their reading skills as well as become comfortable reading in front of a group setting. March 19, 2006 marked a unique experience for adults and children alike because both got a chance to meet the dogs and their trainers at a bowling fundraiser. ACSSA members raised funds by participating in the bowl-a-thon and by collecting outside donations.  Our team raised over $200 to help the organization purchase new books.

Earth Day Celebration:

The CMU student community celebrated Earth Day 2006 with a number of activities, including; music, tree planting, tie dying, cooking with solar energy and even a hands-on reptile exhibit. The student affiliates, however, stole the show as their liquid nitrogen ice cream brought people from across campus to get a glimpse at the magnificent process as well as a tasty treat. While at the student affiliates booth, students learned about chemistry through simple green chemistry demos like the Mentos-soda fountain, and cabbage juice pH indicator. The affiliates also designed a green chemistry poster that included the twelve principles of green chemistry, steps for doing green chemistry at home, and additional information about the student affiliates at CMU. As always, newsletters were distributed in high volume as well as flyers to a number of upcoming events. Earth day resulted in not only teaching the CMU community about the importance of protecting the earth through the better and cleaner practice of chemistry, but it also provided a thoroughfare for recruitment, a necessity for the success of the upcoming fall 2006 school year.

Science Fair Judging:

 A local group of home-schooled students hold a science fair every year to help them understand the use of the scientific method. They regularly ask outside sources to act as judges. Their annual science fair was held November 3^rd, and ACSSA was asked to judge again this year. Four members of the group volunteered to help judge. The science fair was on Friday, from 10 till about 1:30pm. The four people were split into two groups. The first group judged the kindergarten through second graders, with about eight students. The second group judged a combination of third through ninth grades, which included about ten experiments. Interacting with the kids was the best part of the day, because as judges we got to see how much they really understood by asking questions, and some of it was really impressive. Many of the kids really had to do research to understand their topics, and understand they did. From speaking to all ACSSA judges, this opportunity to volunteer was fun and very worthwhile.  It also gave the students the opportunity to speak to college students interested in science (role models).  It also gave a view of the teaching aspect of science to different age groups and how much students are actually willing to learn and capable of learning, even at the younger ages.

Summer Softball:

During the summer break of 2006 Chemists of all professions got together for a Softball tournament held at St. Charles Baseball Diamonds in Midland, Michigan.  The 1^st Annual “Family Fun D.A.Y.S. In The Park” had members from the Dow New Hire Social Group, the American Chemical Society, the Younger Chemists Committee, and the Student Affiliates from Central Michigan University, battling for Softball glory under a beautiful July Sun.  Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream and water balloon games helped to keep players and their family members cool from the heat. Despite the disappointment of coming up short in claming victory, the Student Affiliates look forward to next year’s tournament for more fun and Ice and Cream with all the friends that they made at this year’s tournament.

Recruitment:

First Annual Sci-Mix Luncheon:

On Friday, April, 20^th, 2006, the Student Affiliates at Central Michigan University hosted the first, of what is hoped is many to come, annual Sci-Mix luncheon at the local La Senorita Mexican restaurant.  This event provided an opportunity for faculty members and students to gather together, eat a good lunch, and discuss past, present, and future research opportunities in the Chemistry Department here at CMU.  Organic, Analytical, Inorganic, Physical Chemists and Biochemists all congregated in a banquet room and informally mingled with interested students.  Each faculty member was given the opportunity to describe the type of research they specialize in and afterward the students had the chance to move around and talk to the professors whom they felt could possibly offer a good and exciting opportunity to do research with.  In the eyes of the Student Affiliates, the afternoon was a success with a good turnout and positive results.  It serves to show once again the belief of the ACSSA that research is imperative, instrumental and beneficial to all students.

CMU and You Day:

The CMU ACSSA participated in Central Michigan University’s annual “CMU and You Day”, an even in which prospective high school students come onto campus for a Saturday, tour the buildings and get information from the many different colleges and fields of study.  The ACS set up a table with posters and pamphlets and talked with students and parents about the Chemistry Department at CMU.  In addition, demos were performed including the acid-base column, iodine clock reaction, liquid Nitrogen, and elephant’s toothpaste.  It was a good way to get out some positive PR about the ACSSA here at CMU and was a success in the eyes of all of the affiliates.

Fall RSO Fair: 

During the Fall semester each year the College of Science and Technology holds an RSO fair.  The RSO fair was November 8^th, 2006 in the Woldt/Fabiano/Emmons lobby. This is a great opportunity for our group to recruit people that are interested in science.  We set up a booth that with flyers about our group, including a background of our group and what we do and are about, and also when our meetings are.  At our booth we also perform demonstrations that we do at the elementary schools for students. Some of the demos we did were Elephant’s Toothpaste, Oscillating Clock Reaction, and using Liquid Nitrogen to show various physical chemistry concepts. This also gives people a view of what our group does in the community. This years RSO fair was smaller than usual and had a smaller turn out due to poor communication skills by the coordinators of the fair.  However we still had some interest and recruited some more members from it.

Bowling:

The ACSSA semi-annual bowling event at Riverwood has become a group favorite over the past two years.  Each semester our group purchases six lanes or so to accommodate not only members, but any student interested in the group, as well as chemistry faculty and their families.  The club also treats everyone to as much pizza as they can eat.  As a club we encourage our members to attend as many events as possible so that they can socialize and get to know chemistry students and faculty.  Bowling has consistently been an event with a great turnout for members and faculty.  November 17, 2006 was another successful night of bowling, eating, and mingling.  Afterward, members were invited to a movie night, hosted at the home of an E-board member.  There, more time for snacking and socializing was had.  Overall, it was a fun filled night for everyone who attended.

Fall Picnic and BBQ:

Each fall ACSSA throws a fall picnic and BBQ to reunite the group and faculty for a new school year.  New members are invited to come and get to know the returning members, chemistry faculty, and other new members.  This fall it was hosted at Island Park on September 30^th.   Each faculty member was asked to sign up to bring a dish to pass.  ACSSA provided the burgers, hot dogs, buns, condiments, drinks, and various dishes to pass.  Unfortunately there was rain that day, but we still had a great turn out.  We enjoyed food, music, and good company until the rained stopped and we could hit the volleyball courts.  We also raffled off three prize packs for the attendees.  Despite the weather the group had fun getting to know one another off campus.

Fall Scientific Meeting:

Research was abundant at the 2006 Fall Scientific Meeting held at Central Michigan University. ACSSA members played an integral behind-the-scenes role as many students volunteered to help setup and tear down easels for the poster session, which was not an easy task for even a smaller sized conference such as the Fall Scientific Meeting. We had several of our ACSSA members’ present posters at this worthwhile yearly event.  Students and faculty from many surrounding universities also attended which gave us an excellent opportunity to network with fellow chemists as well as to get the latest scoop on current research and development throughout Michigan.  The meeting was a great success, and the CMU ACSSA looks forward to assisting the Fall Scientific Meeting in the future, as it is an invaluable resource for volunteerism and chemical education for young chemists.

Other Involvements:

National ACS Meeting:

CMU’s student affiliates sponsored their second trip to a National ACS meeting.  This year four students and our advisor traveled to the 231st national meeting in Atlanta, GA.  Two students also participated in presenting their research at poster sessions (Megan McCallum and Laura Slusher).  Along with presenting their own research each of the students were able to attend specified and large conference research talks.  Also, in the free time everyone got the chance to explore the city and visit the Georgia Aquarium and the Bodies exhibit at the Civic Center.  The Undergraduate Mixer proved to be a lot of fun since it provided us the opportunity to meeting Student Affiliates from all over the United States.  We also thoroughly enjoyed the Sci-Mix since it gave us the opportunity view other Student Affiliate Projects and to interact with them as well.  The chemistry demo workshop was also a treat in helping us design new demos.

SRCEE:

CMU's annual Student Research and Creative Endeavors Exhibition showcases the work of hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students of every discipline who have explored new realms with the support of CMU faculty.  Many chemistry graduate and undergraduate students took part in this event.  Most students who did not present research attended in support of those who did.  The exhibition is sponsored by CMU's Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, is free and open to the public. This year on April 19th SRCEE featured nearly 400 poster displays, computer and video demonstrations, case studies, internship experiences, and creative performances by more than 700 students.

Posters at the Capitol: Student Affiliates participated in Central Michigan University’s College of Science and Technology Posters at the State Capitol.  This occasion allows undergraduate students to meet with their state legislatures and present their research.  This was a tremendous opportunity to meet various state representatives and to explain the work that we are conducting

Regional ACS Meeting; Frankenmuth, MI:

ACSSA hosted the Central Regional Meeting in Frankenmuth, Michigan.  Unfortunately, other local college were not interested in helping so we did it all on our own.  We received an ACS grant for $3,000 to help cover expenses.  We had 3 portions that we oversaw. 

1)      Undergraduate-Professional Mixer:  This was in conjunction with the Midland Section ACS.  Cheese, crackers, beer, wine, pop and such were served.  We prepared a poster to promote our group as well as had members meet and greet participants.  Kasandra Sheley and Luke Voss greeted and passed out door prize tickets.

2)      Nanotechnology Workshop:  Our advisor, Sharyl Majorski, led the workshop and recruited Kasandra Sheley, Lindsay Schultz, Laurie Ecker and Dr. Minghui Chai to assist with participants making ferrofluids, Au nanoparticles, memory metal and with the atomic trampoline.  We limited enrollment to 50 but had far more interest in people attending.  We will conduct the workshop at another upcoming meeting.  We provided participants with nanotechnology kits funded by our ACS grant.

3)      Nanotechnology Symposium:  We invited two featured speakers to our symposium.  One of the speakers spoke on graduate school requirements and opportunities for those interested in nanotechnology as well as spoke on his research.  The other speaker spoke on nanotechnology – an overview as well as spoke on her research. 

All programs were well attended!  This event provided many opportunities for involvement.  The initial involvement was making flyers to send out to the region.  Putting on stamps and sending them out was another huge task.  Preparing necessary chemicals for the workshop and seeking out speakers put many of us to work.  Others provided help in designing our group poster for the social as well as going shopping for door prizes.

National Chemistry Week:

Liquid nitrogen ice-cream sales are a successful and fun fundraiser, as well as an awareness promoter for our group. This year the group astounded many Central Michigan students by setting up a booth in one of the buildings on campus. The ice cream was made on scene by ACSSA members so the passing students as well as faculty could get a glimpse of how chemistry applies to every day life. Many stopped to watch as well as purchase this delicious treat. Proceeds from the sales benefited Habitat for Humanity, which was the charity of choice for National Chemistry Week. The sales were a fun way to bring ACSSA members together and raise money for a great cause.

As part of the National Chemistry Week celebration, on October 26^th, 2006 the ACS-SA organized and presented a Chemistry Magic Show.  The production consisted of the display of our best chemistry demos and was intended to increase people’s interest in chemistry, as well as their knowledge of basic chemistry principles in a fun and relaxed environment. The attendees were greeted with the delicious and popular liquid nitrogen ice cream, which was received enthusiastically especially by the little ones in the audience. With a full house, the show began with the help of a volunteer from the audience who sprayed a basic solution on a banner previously prepared with phenolphthalein making the text “National Chemistry Week” magically appear in front of his eyes. The experiments that followed were: hydrogen/oxygen balloons, Jeannie in a bottle, iodine clock reaction, acid base column, density column, using liquid nitrogen to freeze bananas or shrink balloons, sterno and mentos fountain. The first demo, hydrogen/oxygen balloons was performed by our advisor, Sharyl Majorski, and members of the ACS-SA performed the rest of the demonstrations. The audience was a key element in each presentation since each demonstration called for volunteers either by inviting them to help with the experiment or by asking them questions related to the science behind each magic act. We also counted with the collaboration of Professor Katherine Blystone who performed the experiment “Rainbow Connections” using Ph indicators to make magically appear and disappear the colors of the rainbow. The show was a success, and the audience was entertained and actively participated all the way through the show. For our grand finally taking advantage of the upcoming Halloween holiday, we set up the elephant toothpaste experiment inside of a carved pumpkin and let the foam the pumpkin’s carved eyes and mouth. 

The Chemistry Research Symposium, which took place on Friday October 27^th 2006, was a prime opportunity for both students and faculty to discuss ongoing research endeavors at CMU. Catered food and a good turn out provided an environment in which the students and faculty could explore different research possibilities while getting to know one another. This was an important event for undergraduates looking for research opportunities, as well as anyone interested in learning more about the research being done at CMU. The event was very successful and everyone in attendance enjoyed reading the research posters and socializing over some delicious food.

Fall 2005 Chemistry Chronicles [Sample]