The El Paso Community College (EPCC) Chemistry Club recently took their passion for reactions out of the lab and into the halls of Tippin Elementary School. As reported by the EPCC News, the club presented a variety of hands-on science demonstrations to more than 300 students during the school's STEAM Night, aligning with National Chemistry Week, which runs from October 19-25. The evening was filled with fizz, color, and the occasional slime as kids got up close with the basics of chemistry.
During the STEAM night, students' faces lit up, watching carbon dioxide bubble reactions, playing with oobleck, and using red cabbage as a pH indicator, turning Tippin Elementary into a playground of scientific inquiry. Whether they were handling the non-Newtonian fluid, oobleck, or watching the pH indicators change color, the experiments were designed to bring the curriculum to life. As one of the EPCC Chemistry Club members, as obtained by EPCC News, "These type of activities are important because EPCC students who participate in STEM outreach activities deepen their understanding of chemistry concepts, while also inspiring younger students to pursue STEM degrees," shared Dr. Karina Castillo, Chemistry Professor and Rio Grande campus Chemistry Coordinator at EPCC.
The event was not only a learning opportunity for the elementary kids but also a chance for families to engage with science in a playful and educational setting. The Chemistry Club's outreach efforts are part of a broader mission to grow interest in STEM fields by showcasing the tangible side of what can often be abstract concepts.
