Bringing Chemistry to the MSU Science Festival
The MSU Science Festival's STEAM Expo Weekend returns this April 11 - 12. Be sure to stop by any of these fantastic outreach events featuring faculty, specialists, staff and students from our Chemistry community!
Become a Chemical Detective! Learn How to Analyze Elements and Molecules
How do scientists figure out what’s in the world around us, from the air we breath
to the food we eat?
In Analyze This!, visitors will explore hands-on activities created by MSU chemistry
undergraduate students from selected student projects in CEM 434 (Advanced Analytical
Chemistry) in fall 2025. Each booth features a student-designed experiment or interactive
demo that reveals how analytical chemists detect, measure, and visualize the elements
and molecules, the invisible building blocks of matter, in environment and biological
systems we care about.
From exploring color and light to uncovering hidden elements and molecules, these
activities invite visitors to think like chemical detectives. Stop by to analyze,
discover, and see how analytical chemistry connects to everyday life!
Presented by:
• Tian (Autumn) Qiu, Assistant Professor, Chemistry, MSU
Suggested for ages: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age,
High school age, 18 years and above
Scientific Disciplines:
• Physics, Astronomy, and Chemistry
• Engineering and Technology
• Science Education
Time and Location
• 4/11/2026 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: STEM Teaching and Learning Facility First Floor, South Wing
C. Elegans: A Tiny Worm with a Big Impact
Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) are microscopic roundworms used as model organisms
in biological research. Part of their power as model organisms is that they are inexpensive,
fast to raise, have a transparent body for ease of observation, and are simple with
a complete sequenced genome. Although 1 mm long, C. elegans share multiple organ systems
and genes with humans, making them an ideal tool for studying fundamental biological
processes, genetics, aging, and various diseases. In this program, students will get
to observe C. elegans under a microscope and learn how they are grown, behave, and
move through multiple hands-on crafts and activities.
Presented by:
• Kira Baker, Graduate Student, Chemistry, MSU
Suggested for ages: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age,
High school age, 18 years and above
Scientific Disciplines:
• Plant and Animal Sciences
• Science Education
Time and Location
• 4/11/2026 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: STEM Teaching and Learning Facility First Floor, South Wing
Chemistry of the Human Senses
Learn about the chemistry of vision, smell, and taste! Poster presentations will provide
scientific principles behind the human senses and the molecules associated with them.
Hands-on activities will keep kids of all ages involved and engaged!
Presented by:
• Chrysoula Vasileiou, Academic Specialist, Chemistry, MSU
• Ayoob Bazgir, Academic Specialist, Chemistry, MSU
Suggested for ages: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age,
High school age, 18 years and above
Scientific Disciplines:
• Physics, Astronomy, and Chemistry
• Plant and Animal Sciences
Times and Locations
• 4/11/2026 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Room 3202
• 4/12/2026 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Room 3202
Color Me Chemical!
Have you ever wondered why chemicals are colorful, or how some chemical reactions
change color? Come explore acids and bases while learning how we can test chemicals
in our everyday lives with fruits and vegetables. Or, unpack the “stoplight reaction”
and determine why a solution magically changes color when shaken. Still not convinced?
Come back and learn how to make thermochromic slime…it knows how hot it is!
Presented by:
• Ryan Eleveld, Graduate Student, Chemistry, MSU
• Mackenzie Meyer, Graduate Student, Chemistry, MSU
Suggested for ages: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age,
High school age, 18 years and above
Scientific Disciplines:
• Physics, Astronomy, and Chemistry
Time and Location
• 4/11/2026 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: STEM Teaching and Learning Facility First Floor, South Lobby
Fizzing Balloons and Mini Elephant Toothpaste: Chemistry Fun in Action!
Get ready for two exciting chemistry demonstrations! First, discover how to inflate
a balloon without using your breath by mixing baking soda and vinegar. This fizzy
reaction produces carbon dioxide gas that makes the balloon grow before your eyes.
Then, watch the “elephant toothpaste” experiment, where a simple mix of hydrogen peroxide,
yeast, and dish soap creates a towering, bubbly foam. Both activities use safe, everyday
materials to showcase how chemical reactions release gases and energy. Kids will see
science come alive with fizz, foam, and fun!
Presented by:
• Juliana Banotai, President, Chemistry, MSU Chem Club
• Aaron Bealor, ACS Liaison, Chemistry, MSU Chem Club
• Chloe Etienne, Secretary, Chemistry, MSU Chem Club
• Sydney Mann, Vice President, Chemistry, MSU Chem Club
Suggested for ages: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age,
High school age, 18 years and above
Scientific Disciplines:
• Physics, Astronomy, and Chemistry
Time and Location
• 4/11/2026 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: STEM Teaching and Learning Facility First Floor, South Lobby
Play Bingo to Learn About Lab Safety
Play a game of Safety Bingo! There are many things kept in the laboratory in order
to keep scientists safe. Learn about lab coats, goggles, gloves and more by playing
a round of Safety Bingo. Hosted by the Research Safety Team (RST) from the Department
of Chemistry at Michigan State University.
Presented by:
• Caitlin Ewald, PhD Candidate, Chemistry, MSU
Suggested for ages: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age,
High school age, 18 years and above
Scientific Disciplines:
• Science Education
Time and Location
• 4/11/2026 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Room 2130
Polymers: Breaking Down Nature's Building Blocks
Polymers are one of the most important substances found in nature and synthesized
for industrial usage. This is due to their peculiar molecular structure composed of
a repeating chain of molecules (monomers). Join us for an in-depth look into the inner
workings of these compounds and their role in our modern life through an in-person
experiment using common household items.
Presented by:
• Cara Schwarz, Chemistry Instructor/Organic Lab Coordinator, Chemistry, MSU
• Veronica Zhang, Organic Chemistry Lab Coordinator, Chemistry, MSU
• Brittany Busby, General Chemistry Lab Coordinator, Chemistry, MSU
• Sherif Ramadan, General Chemistry Lab Coordinator, Chemistry, MSU
• Priyanka Yadav, General Chemistry Lab Instructor, Chemistry, MSU
• Rajeev Yadav, General Chemistry Lab Coordinator, Chemistry, MSU
Suggested for ages: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age,
High school age, 18 years and above
Scientific Disciplines:
• Physics, Astronomy, and Chemistry
Times and Locations
• 4/11/2026 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Room 1202
• 4/12/2026 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Room 1202
Radioactive!
Uranium, plutonium, and radium, oh my! Come learn about radioactive material including
many of the beneficial ways it is used in your day-to-day life!
This is an FRIB-affiliated presentation.
Presented by:
• Alyssa Gaiser, Assistant Professor, Chemistry / FRIB, MSU
Suggested for ages: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age,
High school age, 18 years and above
Scientific Disciplines:
• Physics, Astronomy, and Chemistry
Time and Location
• 4/11/2026 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Room 1202
Science and Zombie Molecules
Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals that have been used
for more than five decades. They are in our food packages, clothes, water, cars (including
electric vehicles), food, cleaning products, and so much more. It is nearly impossible
to not be exposed to PFAS, and these substances last a long time in the environment
and in our bodies. Unfortunately, humans and animals can face health problems like
cancer from PFAS. Learn how science can be used to remove PFAS from humans and the
environment. Let us show how we solved this in dairy cattle and provide uncontaminated
milk!
Presented by:
• Narasimhan Loganathan, Senior Research Associate, Chemistry, MSU
• Rana Massoud, Graduate Student, Chemistry, MSU
• Audrey Stemen, Graduate Student, Chemistry, MSU
• Deepak James, Graduate Student, Chemistry, MSU
• Nazil Goksel Carpa, Graduate Student, Chemistry, MSU
• Baransel Carpa, Graduate Student, Chemistry, MSU
• Fereshteh Faraji, Graduate Student, Chemistry, MSU
• Angela Wilson, John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor, Chemistry, MSU
Suggested for ages: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age,
High school age, 18 years and above
Scientific Disciplines:
• Energy and Environment
• Physics, Astronomy, and Chemistry
Times and Locations
• 4/11/2026 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Room 3202
• 4/12/2026 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Room 3202
The Quantum Zone: Lasers, Liquid Nitrogen, and Levitation!
Explore the world of quantum technologies with the MSU-Q! Join us for hands-on demonstrations
featuring lasers, liquid nitrogen, magnetic levitation, optical fibers, a real quantum
computer you can program, and more! All ages can engage in hands-on activities including
the transmission of information through laser light, optical fiber guidance, and interactive
water-stream demonstrations. Discover the manipulation of light through optical polarizers
and grasp the basics of quantum computing, including superposition and the use of
photons as quantum bits (qubits).
Presented by:
• Shannon Nicley, Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, MSU
• Jonas Becker, Assistant Professor, Physics and Astronomy, MSU
• Johannes Pollanen, Associate Professor, Physics and Astronomy, MSU
• Angela Wilson, John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor, Chemistry, MSU
• Ryan LaRose, Assistant Professor, CMSE, MSU
• Kenneth Seybold, Professorial Assistant II, Electrical and Computer Engineering,
MSU
Suggested for ages: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age,
High school age, 18 years and above
Scientific Disciplines:
• Physics, Astronomy, and Chemistry
For more information:
Read more about The Quantum Zone: Lasers, Liquid Nitrogen, and Levitation! (external
site)
Times and Locations
• 4/11/2026 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Room 1201
• 4/12/2026 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Room 1201
