Kent State University at Ashtabula to host Healing Powers of Chemistry event

The Healing Powers of Chemistry event at Kent State University at Ashtabula will feature more than 25 free hands-on demonstrations and experiments for sciences at all levels and for all ages. The free, community-wide event will take place during National Chemistry Week on Saturday, October 14 between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. in the Robert S. Morrison Hall (at 3300 Lake Road West).

In an article posted on Kent State University at Ashtabula’s website, associate professor of chemistry and chair of the Northeastern Ohio local section of the American Chemistry Society Ann Abraham Ph.D. was quoted about the event as saying, “National Chemistry Week is celebrated around the world and it’s very exciting to be able to host a wonderful – and free – event here in Ashtabula and on our campus. We have a lot of people from across Ashtabula, Lake, Geauga and Cuyahoga Counties participating and it will be a lot of fun for everyone in attendance.”

Guests of the event will be able to take part in activities including jewelry and fabric making, reading beginner science books for younger guests, and playing in a rocket ship. There will also be other experiments involving fiber analysis with microscopes, seed paper making, and polymer bead strands. College and high school students will be able to participate in mock job interviews and have their resumes reviewed by professionals.

There will also be experiments involving food, such as popcorn popping and sno-cone making for when guests need an educational snack break. Older guests will have reason to come as well, as the first 25 grandparents to attend will be given a “grandparents teaching kit.” There will also be an appearance by and show from Swifty the Clown, featuring his fan-favorite balloon animals. 

The purpose of National Chemistry Week is to promote the value of chemistry for all people in their everyday lives. During the week, members from all over the community participate such as individuals, schools, businesses, technical divisions, student communities, and local sections all working together to communicate just how important the study of chemistry is to all people in their normal lives. National Chemistry Week was started back in 1987 as National Chemistry Day, and is now celebrated annually during the third week of October.

The theme of National Chemistry Week this year is “The Healing Power of Chemistry.” This is because chemistry plays an important part in the creation of the medicines we take when we are sick, the testing of blood samples that we provide at the doctor’s office, the creation of the vaccines that keep us safe, and so much more.

The American Chemical Society noted that this year’s theme is dedicated in part to the important advancements made by medical professionals and other scientists with inspiration from our own bodies ability to prevent, fight, and heal us, the habits of ancient people, and the plants and animals in the wild. 

For more information about The Healing Powers of Chemistry event or other services provided by Kent State University at Ashtabula, visit the school’s website.