Free Radicals Teach Children Chemistry at Eid ul-Fitr

Olivia DrakeOctober 20, 20083min
At left, Tresne Hernandez '12 and Ross Firestone '12 demonstrate how to blow up a balloon with baking soda and vinegar by producing carbon dioxide. The students are part of the Chemistry Department's Free Radicals group, which participated in the Muslim Coalition of Connecticut’s Carnival to commemorate the end of Ramadan in October.
At left, Tresne Hernandez '12 and Ross Firestone '12 demonstrate how to blow up a balloon with baking soda and vinegar by producing carbon dioxide. The students are part of the Chemistry Department's Free Radicals group, which participated in the Muslim Coalition of Connecticut’s Eid ul-Fitr Carnival to commemorate the end of Ramadan in October. Eid ul-Fitr is one of two major lunar festivals in the Islamic calendar.

At right, Erika Taylor, assistant professor of chemistry teaches children how to make a colored slime using a Borax solution, glue and food coloring. The Chemistry Department assistants did numerous demonstrations, many of which were hands-on.
At right, Erika Taylor, assistant professor of chemistry teaches children how to make a colored slime using a Borax solution, glue and food coloring. The Chemistry Department assistants did numerous demonstrations, many of which were hands-on.
Muna Nahar '09 assists children with the slime-making experiment. The event was held at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, Conn.
Muna Nahar '09 assists children with the slime-making experiment. The event was held at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, Conn. This was the second year Wesleyan was invited to the festival.