In a captivating display of scientific marvels, students from the New Mexico State University (NMSU) College of Engineering showcased the wonders of chemical and materials processes to K-12 children at the Career Awareness Showcase held at Pebble Hills High School in El Paso, Texas.
Benedek Szalai (Undergraduate), Gloria Hernandez (Undergraduate), and Diana Bautista (Graduate-PhD) embarked on an educational journey to unveil the mysteries of science. Their mission? To introduce young, eager minds to the fascinating world of chemistry and materials engineering while demonstrating that there is no "magic" behind these scientific phenomena.
The event witnessed the participation of hundreds of wide-eyed children and their families, all eager to grasp the intricacies of chemical and materials processes. The NMSU students masterfully exhibited a series of captivating experiments, showcasing the beauty of science through practical demonstrations:
Chemical Reactions of Polymeric Materials (Slime): Young learners marveled at the creation of slime as they witnessed chemical reactions bringing colorful, gooey mixtures to life.
Evaporative Effects on Fluid Pressure (Drinking Bird): The classic drinking bird toy served as a visual aid to illustrate how evaporation impacts fluid pressure, leaving the audience enthralled.
Hydrolysis and Hydrogen Fuel Cells (Electric Toy Car): A toy car powered by hydrogen fuel cells showcased the potential of this clean and efficient energy source.
Separation of Liquids by Distillation (Distillation Column): The distillation column demonstrated the separation of liquids, a fundamental concept in chemistry and engineering.
Heat Transfer and Food Production (Popcorn Maker): The tantalizing aroma of freshly popped popcorn filled the air, as children learned about heat transfer and the science behind their favorite snack.
Thermal and Mass Transport (Lava Lamp): Lava lamps mesmerized the audience, illustrating the principles of thermal and mass transport in a visually engaging manner.
The enthusiastic students from NMSU aimed to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, showing them that the world of science is accessible, intriguing, and filled with opportunities. By making these complex concepts tangible and exciting, they hoped to ignite the spark of curiosity in the young minds present.
The Career Awareness Showcase at Pebble Hills High School was a resounding success, bridging the gap between the classroom and the world of practical science. The NMSU students left an indelible mark on the eager children, demonstrating that science is not just about equations in textbooks but a real-world adventure waiting to be explored.
