Some Colorado 10th-graders will discover how fireflies light up and how plants turn sunlight into food during a Feb. 12 demonstration developed by the CU-Boulder Chemistry and Biochemistry Club.
The Cool and Creative Chemistry presentation for about 240 Poudre High School students will examine how chemical-reaction energy is used to fuel living things. Metabolism, respiration, photosynthesis and bioluminescence will be illustrated in eye-catching experiments.
A vibrant, blue flash from burning ethanol will be used to show how combustion occurs in human metabolism. Students also will observe the repulsive white foam produced when enzymes found in blood are mixed with hydrogen peroxide.
The lights will be dimmed when the bioluminescence experiment takes center stage. With the assistance of an audience member, two liquids will be poured simultaneously into a 2-foot transparent spiral tube. The liquid mixture will cast a bright glow, simulating the chemical reaction that allows fireflies to glow in the dark.
The project is funded in part by the CU-Boulder Outreach Committee, which is supported by the Office of the Chancellor, the Office of the Provost and the Division of Continuing Education.
Cool and Creative Chemistry is offered through a collaborative effort between Science From CU, a Science Discovery program of university outreach to Colorado K-12 schools, and the Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal Materials Research Center. Students statewide can benefit from programs covering more than 20 topics presented at their schools, local libraries and community centers.
The Feb. 12 demonstration will take place at 10 a.m. and again at 11:30 a.m. on the CU-Boulder campus. For more information, visit:
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