Abstract 1914 Lane College Outreach: Engaging Elementary Students Through Science

The Lane College Science Club, ASBMB Student Chapter, engages in community outreach to serve students at Title I schools in Jackson, TN. The Lane College Science Club students visited Lincoln Elementary School during the fall 2023 semester to host a dynamic science activity involving 77 children, divided into two groups of students. Both groups were divided into three smaller groups, each assigned to one of the stations of intriguing experiments. The first station involved the creation of "Elephant Toothpaste" using a concoction of 3% hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, food coloring, and active yeast. The second station, the "Lava Lamp" station used blend of water, vegetable oil, food coloring, and Alka Seltzer®. Lastly, the "Hand Washing" station involved a blue light source and Glo Germ powder. This experiment included applying glow powder to the students' hands, followed by a hand washing exercise. When they returned, the effectiveness of their hand washing was shown using the blue light. After the rotations and engaging experiments, each group was asked their favorite station. These experiments were not just fun; it also helped them learn about science and how to keep their hands clean. This work is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation EES 2011938.