September 22, 2015

Chemistry Day to help students explore science interests

UNL's Chris Cornelius is one of four Native academics who received a five-year, $1.5 million NSF grant to create a program that whill help mentor Native students in the science, technology, engineering and math fields.
Craig Chandler | University Communications

Craig Chandler | University Communications

More than 120 Nebraska high school juniors, seniors, their parents and teachers will gather at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Oct. 3 for the 15th annual Chemistry Day.

The event, sponsored by UNL’s Department of Chemistry, will offer hands-on activities, guided tours of research labs, a look at opportunities and exciting careers in the field of chemistry, and a chance to win scholarships to study chemistry at UNL.

This year’s event is built around the theme “Chemistry Colors Our World: Exploring the Chemistry of Dyes, Pigments and Light.” The planned lab demonstrations will be geared toward this theme.

A scavenger hunt, Chemistry Quizbowl, panel discussion featuring current UNL chemistry undergraduates, and roundtable for parents and teachers also are planned. Alumni will be on hand to talk about how a degree in chemistry helped launch their careers. All events will take place inside Hamilton Hall, 639 N. 12th St.

High school seniors who attend can register to win scholarships. The department plans to award several scholarships up to $1,500 for the 2016-17 academic year to prospective UNL chemistry majors. Applicants must have completed a high school chemistry course and have an overall GPA of a B+ or higher. Interested seniors should bring a copy of their high school transcript and a brief reference letter to be eligible.

Registration for Chemistry Day is free and includes a continental breakfast and buffet lunch. For complete event details, including information about the scholarships or to register, visit http://chemistry.unl.edu or contact Peg Bergmeyer at 402-472-3514.