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Psyched about science: Hands-on chemistry lesson by University of Montana professor thrills Frenchtown kindergartners

Nearly every professor in UM’s chemistry department does some form of outreach education in Missoula schools.

Twenty-five sets of little eyes followed the glowing blue chemical as it twisted through the test tube and dumped into a glass beaker. The room was dark. The “water” was glowing.

No matter how many times University of Montana biochemistry professor Michele McGuirl performed the experiment, at the end, the kindergartners would erupt into applause and a unified “whoa,” as if they were witnessing the spectacle for the first time.

It was chemistry day at Frenchtown Elementary School and the 5-year-olds broke flowers, shriveled balloons in liquid nitrogen and learned how fireflies glow. McGuirl and UM undergraduate student Allie Van de Motter showed the kids just how fun chemistry can be.

But, come on. Chemistry for kindergartners?

“It’s all about how you explain it,” McGuirl said.

By CHELSI MOY of the Missoulian

Full Story and Video: http://missoulian.com/articles/2009/01/17/news/top/news01.txt

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