National Chemistry Week in Ottawa 2003

The Ottawa CIC Local Section is pleased to report that we have again contributed to National Chemistry Week events by having our annual chemistry demonstration!  The event took place at the Canada Museum of Science and Technology on Saturday, October 25, 2003.  The program began at 10:00 a.m. when Pam Wolff, Barb Gauthier, Jeff Guthrie, Catherine Edgar and Edward Lai, MCIC, carried out chemistry demonstrations of making slime, doing chromatography (with coffee filter strips, water and marker spots), showing acid-base indicators (by adding baking soda or lemon juice to red cabbage juice), and performing a surface plasmon resonance analysis to identify soft drinks (that looked like Coca-Cola and Pepsi).  The public (young and old alike!) were able and happy to be doing such things.  Fred Scaffidi, MCIC, the Chair of the Ottawa Section, also showed up to offer his support for this event.  Ms. Roxanne Leblanc, a teacher from Collège Catholique Samuel Genest, her four students and a museum volunteer looked after the skirted tables that were decorated with CIC balloons for the display of furbies, periodic tables, and brochures.  Horace Philipp, FCIC, captured many interesting demonstrations, enthusiastic volunteers and keen visitors in beautiful photos.  In the afternoon, Rashmi Vankateswaran and Bob Nadon performed two Chemistry magic shows.  The dedicated team of volunteers ensured that all participants learned something new about chemistry while having a lot of fun in the process. The public event was regarded by many visitors to be truly successful.  Thanks to Esther Yeung who sent in the NCW public show announcement to a list of media.  Don’t miss your chance to come out to the event next year and see for yourselves!