Each year, the Midland Section, along with Delta College and the Mid-Michigan Technician Group (MMTG), celebrates National Chemistry Week (NCW) with Sci-Fest, a handson educational adventure for local families. In 2008, Sci-Fest was held on Saturday, October 18, at Delta College. The theme was "Having a Ball with Chemistry." The day's special guest was Delta College Board member, Dr. Thomas Lane, who at the time was the 2008 President-elect of ACS.
The theme was carried out in a variety of ways with hands-on activities provided by exhibitors from:
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Midland Section of the American Chemical Society's National Chemistry Week Committee
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Beads, balls, and chemical bonds (Mid-Michigan Technician Group)
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The color of chemistry (SVSU Chemistry Club)
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Molecular modeling polymers for sports equipment
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Professional glass blower
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Blowing glass balls (St. Mary's of Michigan Field Neurosciences Institute)
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Think first: Use your mind to protect your body [ball & sports theme] (Midland RC Modelers; Society of Plastics Engineers)
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Use and processing of plastics (American Institute of Chemical Engineers)
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Having a ball with bubbles
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Midland Conservation District's earth and water tunnels
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Delta College faculty and staff
A Power Point presentation ran continuously about how chemistry has had an affect on a variety of sports. There were about 80 volunteers and about 800 to 1000 participants.
The theme for NCW 2009 and Sci-Fest is "Chemistry--It's Elemental!" For more information, contact one of the NCW co-chairs, Gretchen Kohl (gretchen.kohl@dowcorning.com) or Angelo Cassar (angelo.cassar@chartermi.net).
