Espanola 's Contribution
To
National Chemistry Week!

 Something different was tried at Espanola High School during National Chemistry Week, this year. I selected a special education class to demonstrate what chemistry was all about and I must say that I got an enthusiastic reaction from the subjects that I entertained. Especially one student, whose name is Gregory Pearson. Gregory is a special student at Espanola High School who impresses his teachers with his outstanding ability to retain everything that he observes.

I had a delightful experience with Gregory and his fellow classmates, who have their own room at Espanola High School in which they work during the day. Knowing that chemical demonstrations stimulate a lot of interest in students, I decided to try something with these people who are so appreciative with anything that you can do for them.  So, I got out an "old" demonstration of working with potassium iodide and lead nitrate. This was from my own high school days and one which impressed me the very first time that my high school chemistry teacher, Mr Philip, showed the class. I have never forgotten how that reaction sparked my curiosity and left me with an indelible impression as a teenager.

I was happy to see that the same expression occurred with the special students of this class, especially Gregory . He was really excited! I had to capture his emotions with a picture for the whole country to see. Hopefully, there will be more demonstrations to be presented to these students with special needs! You can't imagine what joy it brings to see the enthusiasm of these kids when someone takes an interest in doing something special for them.

I would like to thank Mrs. LaCasse, Mrs. McGrath and Mrs. Trudeau for allowing me to take this opportunity to show these students what chemistry is all about.

Ken Naples, MCIC
Espanola