Certain memories of discovery stay with us.  It might be because of Bill Nye The Science Guy or an episode of The Magic School Bus or the first time you saw a volcano made from baking soda and vinegar.  Regardless of the source of your memory, the subject to thank for it is science.  Science is the grandfather of the whole hands-on movement in education and if you ask any elementary student who attended today’s Chem Day at Bridgeport High School, they are sure to echo that enthusiasm.

 

Johnson Elementary third graders from the classrooms of Kim Olivio and Elizabeth Mutafis were among the 100 adults and children participating in Chem Day on Tuesday morning at BHS.  High school students set up stations in which the elementary students could conduct experiments and learn about the wonders of science.  “Hopefully, what we are doing today will get more kids interested in learning about science,” said BHS Senior Preston Zirkle.  “It’s a great opportunity to show them what we do in high school and get them excited about the process.”

 

At Jared Massie and Seth Friel’s station, students witnessed a balloon being blown up with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar and how the trapped carbon dioxide can create a flame.  They also demonstrated what happens when a mentos mint is dropped into a cup of diet cola.  “My favorite experiment was watching the mentos explode,” said third grader Jack Dodrill.  “It was awesome!”

 

Many of the high schoolers participating also attended as third graders and BHS Chemistry Teacher Cheryl McCarthy keeps every thank you card she has received over the years.  Now in its 15^th year, Chem day has yet to lose its appeal.  “Watching the enthusiasm in the room as the older kids teach the younger ones is amazing,” said McCarthy.

 

Stations included lava lamps, slime and other ooey-gooey concoctions that teach about chemical reactions.  “Allowing the students to get involved makes a lasting impression,” said McCarthy.  Third grader River Blair loved hearing the screech when a quarter touched the dry ice.  “That was my favorite part,” he said.

 

After a fun-filled day in the labs of BHS, students returned to Johnson Elementary to start their own collection of memories relating to science.  “I believe Chem Day will show kids that science can be both fun and educational, for both the high schoolers and the elementary students,” said Seth Friel.

 

Editor's Note: Pictures courtesy of Erica Huezo.