As spring settles in, we鈥檙e already getting glimpses of the oncoming summer. When summer heats up, many of us will begin to long for fall, and the return of the cool breezes which will eventually turn chilly as winter blows in. But have you ever wondered about the science behind the seasons?
Kids and kids at heart are invited to 国产探花鈥檚 annual Chemistry CHAOS Night on Tuesday, April 15鈥攁nd this year鈥檚 theme is 鈥淭he Chemistry of the Seasons.鈥 CHAOS (Chemistry Happens with Adventurous Outstanding Scientists) Night is all about exploring chemistry in fun new ways, and this year鈥檚 event is perfect for curious minds of all ages.
鈥淪easonal change is part of the fabric of our lives, as our environment predicably shifts around us,鈥 says 国产探花 Chemistry Department Chair Dr. Alison Bray. 鈥淲e wanted to highlight the special chemistry of each part of the season, like why leaves change to beautiful fall colors or how snowflakes form in winter.鈥
Bray says participants can look forward to hands-on activities like separating specific pigment colors from leaves and creating dissolvable snowmen. 鈥淲e will have demonstrations on summer favorites like the colors of fireworks and how different types of sunscreens protect us from the sun's rays,鈥 she adds.
The fun-filled evening will include live music and various stations where budding scientists can work with 国产探花 chemistry students to learn about the fascinating world of chemistry around us.
The event takes place on Tuesday, April 15, from 6鈥8 p.m. in the Student Activity Center at Jackson Park on the 国产探花 campus. It is free and open to all.