What do toys have to do with chemistry? Find out at free ISU-Idaho Falls presentation Feb. 7

Drs. Mickey Sarquis and Lynn Hogue of Miami University Middleton (Ohio) will present on the topic “Using Toys Creatively in Chemistry” at ISU-Idaho Falls, at the Center for Higher Education (CHE), Room 213, on Feb. 7 at 7 p.m.

The event is free and the public is invited. It is sponsored by the American Chemical Society, the ACS Idaho Section, and the ISU Chemistry Department.

What's the chemistry of a self-inflating balloon, or a drinking bird, or popular magician's tricks like putting a needle through a balloon? This presentation will show how simple toys and common household items can be used to unlock the mysteries of chemistry. All activities were developed by the Center for Chemistry Education through funding from the National Science Foundation, the Ohio Board of Regents, and Miami University.

A variety of toys will be demonstrated. All activities are user friendly, hands-on, highly motivational, and appealing to children no matter what their age.

Hogue was a high school science teacher for 30 years before joining Miami University's Center for Chemical Education as associate director in 1992. She has served as teacher programs director and lead instructor for more than 50 funded National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, National Petrochemical Refiners Association and Ohio Board of Regents programs.

 Sarquis, professor of chemistry and biochemistry and director of the Center for Chemistry Education at Miami University, is an internationally recognized leader in chemistry and science education whose pioneering chemistry-based teacher enhancement and curriculum development efforts have become national and international models.

For those who need parking permits, they will be available in CHE Room 213 to the first 40 attendees.

    For more information, call 282-2612.