Chemistry Rocks at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History!

Fort Worth, TX (October 20, 2017) — Have you ever wondered what chalk, rocks and ghost crystals have in common? Chemistry! Hundreds of students and volunteers will soon converge on the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History to explore these concepts and more during Chemistry Connections: National Chemistry Week, October 24 – 28. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this year’s theme for the event is “Chemistry Rocks!”

Nearly 200 student chemist volunteers from schools across North Texas will be on hand for the event. Volunteers from Texas Christian University, Southern Methodist University, Texas Wesleyan University, Texas Woman’s University, University of Dallas, University of North Texas, University of North Texas-Health Science Center MSCSO, University of Texas at Arlington, Collin College, Tarrant County College-Northwest Campus, Birdville High School, Fort Worth Country Day, Hebron High School, Southwest Christian School, Trinity Valley School and STEAM Middle School will lead activities with Museum guests.

“The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History celebrates the wonders of technology, engineering and chemistry every day. However, National Chemistry Week provides the perfect opportunity to really explore that particular science,” Museum President Van Romans said. “Most importantly, it connects students with hundreds of chemists in our studios. In that connection, science becomes real and professions become tangible.”

During this activity packed festival, guests will investigate the interesting world of rocks and minerals while trying out classic chemistry experiments that deepen their understanding of the intriguing field of geochemistry.

“This event wouldn’t be possible without volunteers or partners such as The Alcon Foundation, a dedicated sponsor of National Chemistry Week. As ‘Chemistry Rocks!’ celebrates the 30th anniversary of this event, we also celebrate the generation of scientists it has undoubtedly inspired,” said Romans.

Some of the experiences planned during Chemistry Connections include:

• Examine the Museum’s collections of rocks and minerals and observe interesting chemical reactions.
• Learn about the index of refraction using ghost crystals that seemingly disappear in water.
• Use chemical reactions to create chalk.
• Explore the connection of crystals in chemistry in geology.
• Test Pop Rocks, dissolve candy and make spooky substances.

Chemistry Connections: National Chemistry Week at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is sponsored locally by The Alcon Foundation.