The Committee on Minority Affairs was thrilled to participate in the recent NE/SE NOBCChE Regional Conference at STEMFest.
As part of our outreach and engagement efforts, CMA hosted an interactive science station designed to spark curiosity and excitement about chemistry in young learners. With the enthusiastic support of student volunteers from Virginia State University (VSU) and Howard University, we guided children through a hands-on activity that demonstrated how to create “fake snow” using polyacrylamide, a superabsorbent polymer.
The experiment served as a fun and tangible introduction to polymer science, allowing students to explore the properties of materials that can absorb many times their weight in water. As the powder transformed into a fluffy, snow-like substance before their eyes, participants were amazed and eager to learn more about the science behind the reaction.
We are incredibly grateful to our volunteers from VSU and Howard for bringing their energy, knowledge, and passion to this event. Their involvement played a key role in making the experience both educational and memorable for all participants.
