Spartans reach out for 2024 Chemistry Day

By Connor Yeck | Dec 9, 2024 |

It was all smiles at Lansing’s Impression 5 Science Center for this year’s Chemistry Day — an annual event hosted by the local section of the American Chemical Society in celebration of National Chemistry Week.

Centered around October 23rd (better known as Mole Day), the gathering is a family-friendly STEM outreach event featuring hands-on demonstrations for participants of all ages.

ACS photo day — MSU graduate students lead an experiment at this year's Chemistry Day event.

Over 80 volunteers helped create a memorable learning experience for this year’s 750 attendees — a 50% increase in visitors since 2023.

Volunteers included undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty from MSU’s Department of Chemistry, as well as undergraduate students and faculty from the University of Olivet. Local ACS section members also lent a hand.

From MSU, the day brought together science-focused organizations from all corners of campus. Visitors could find booths helmed by members of MSU Science Theater, MSU Women in Chemistry, MSU Women in STEM, and the MSU Chemistry Club.

"I think that STEM outreach is so important, and I love events like Chemistry Day," Dr. Elizabeth McGaw said, an Analytical and Physical Chemistry Lab Coordinator and Lecturer in MSU's Department of Chemistry and lead coordinator for this year's gathering.

"This event is aimed at elementary age, and this age is so naturally curious. It is such a great age to introduce them to Chemistry, which has a broad reach into so many other sciences and into our daily lives. A hands on events like this can really highlight that," she added.

In total, 13 stations provided firsthand chemistry experiences centered around the theme of “Picture Perfect Chemistry” — the science of photography and imaging. These included:

Fizz Bizz hosted by MSU Chemistry Graduate Student Organization and MSU Women in Chemistry
Lithography Printmaking hosted by Prof. Seokhyoung Kim’s Research Group (MSU)
Dry Ice Rockets & Shaving Cream Art hosted by The University of Olivet GRUEN Chemistry Society
Invisible Ink hosted by Dr. Ayoob Bazgir (MSU)
Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream hosted by Prof. Tim Warren (MSU) in the morning and MSU Undergraduates in the afternoon
Bernoulli's Principle hosted by MSU Science Theater
Forensic Crime Solving & Chromatography Flowers hosted by Prof. Ruth Smith’s Research Group (MSU)
Animal MRIs hosted by MSU Women in STEM
Penny Dropper & Lava Lamps hosted by MSU Chemistry Club
Luminol and Dry Ice Bubbles hosted by MSU Undergraduates
Ooblek hosted by MSU Undergraduates
Electrochemistry – growing Tin Crystals hosted by MSU Undergraduates
Stoplight Reaction hosted by MSU Undergraduates

“I was super excited to be a part of Chemistry Day this year, where we he had a project that taught how lithography is used to make computer chips,” Caitlin Ewald said, a graduate student in the laboratory of Professor Seokhyoung Kim, and whose group offered a look at how lithography is used to make computer chips via stencils and screen-printed patterns.

“In the Kim Group, we believe it’s important to have STEM education available and accessible to all students and families, so that everyone can learn about chemistry, and we can inspire the next generation of scientists,” she added.

Prof. Bazgir leads a demonstration — Dr. Bazgir demonstrates the chemistry behind 'invisible ink.'

Meanwhile, a group led by Dr. Ayoob Bazgir offered interactive demonstrations showcasing colorful chemical transformations.

In an "Invisible Ink” experiment, messages written in baking soda were decoded using turmeric in ethanol — a glimpse of acid-based chemistry that featured vibrant color changes, wowing children and adults.

“Chemistry outreach like ACS Chemistry Day holds a special place in my heart. It’s an incredible opportunity to inspire curiosity and excitement about science, especially among young learners,” Bazgir said.

“Events like these not only highlight the relevance of chemistry in everyday life but also encourage future generations to explore STEM fields.”

"We have presenters from undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty members, and it's a great place for everyone to come together share a love of Chemistry and STEM," McGaw said.

"I was involved in Chemistry Day as a member of ACS Women in Chemistry when I was a graduate student, and that experience stuck with me and I have continued to volunteer for STEM outreach activities throughout my professional life."

For Atanu Ghosh, a graduate student in the group of professor Jim McCusker, the day’s events were likewise a chance to reflect on the real-world impact of science education, and what it means for researchers to make meaningful community connections.

Atanu Ghost (center) will fellow Spartan Chemists — Atanu Ghosh (center) with fellow Spartan Chemists at the Impression 5 Science Center.

“Having grown up in a small town in India, where students often face limited opportunities due to a lack of resources and inspiration, I have developed a deep passion for sharing knowledge,” Atanu said.

“Graduate school can often feel intense, with the pressures of research, coursework, and teaching responsibilities,” he added. “However, moments like these remind me of the broader purpose of our work — giving back to society and inspiring the next generation of scientists."

Chemistry Day will be held again next October, with organizers already looking forward to another visit to Impression5, a partnership McGaw is excited to grow.

"They've been amazing for Chemistry Day," she said. "The venue is ideal as it has so many complementary exhibits to add to the experience, and they help keep the day free and accessible to all."

For those interested in volunteering or hosting a demonstration table, be on the lookout for department communication starting next fall.