What is the Chemistry Road Show?
The Chemistry Road Show has two complementary and interlocking aims. We wish to both entertain and educate students using chemistry. By using sensory impact, we hope students will learn that:
- chemistry, unlike magic, is comprehensible
- they already comprehend some of it
- chemistry is a human activity, one that real people love and find exciting
- chemistry and chemicals, like any other kind of knowledge and technology, are safe and beneficial when used carefully and intelligently
Most of all, we hope students will remember the excitement and surprise they feel during our demonstrations.
What does it Cost?
The Chemistry Road Show is performed as a public service funded by the Department of Chemistry, the College of Science Outreach Program, The Dow Chemical Company and Shell Oil Company.
What to Expect?
As students enter the room, they see a long row of tables,
covered in white paper and accented by a Chemistry Road Show banner. On the tables
are chemical glassware and apparatus. One or two demonstrators finish their preparations,
arranging balloons and adjusting equipment. The 
demonstrators, who begin by talking for a
few moments about the show, hold what seem to be chemistry books. As they talk, the
books in their hands suddenly seem to burst into flames! The Chemistry Road Show has
During the rest of the show, students see chemical wonders that turn ordinary objects and events into exciting learning experiences. They see a reaction that changes color from clear, to brown, to purple and then clear again, in a repeating cycle; a genie that emerges from a bottle; iron that burns as brightly as the sun; and a pinch of dry powder that instantly solidifies a cup full of water.
Their eyes are dazzled by colorful reactions and polymers growing before their eyes; their minds are stretched as the demonstrators explain the wonders they see. Without leaving their seats the students take part in experiments, make observations and test hypotheses, and so learn that they know more about science than they may ever have guessed. Finally, when the show is finished, the demonstrators answer questions from the audience.
This is just a sampling of the remarkable demonstrations we include in the Road Show. In each show we strive to entertain and excite the students with sensory impact while teaching them that chemicals and chemistry are not only vital to our lives, but also can be fascinating and fun.
The above was adapted from writings of Dr. John L. Hogg. He was one of the primary developers and promoters of the Chemistry Road Show. He passed away on January 19, 2008, but continues to be an inspiration.
Opportunities to Volunteer
General Information about Volunteering
Prospective Chemistry Roadshow volunteers should sign up for at least 3 dates so that if a roadshow is rescheduled or cancelled you will still have an opportunity to volunteer. Also, with experience, the volunteers have more fun and become more productive.
In general, you will be needed 2 to 2.5 hours before and after the event time listed. This allows for loading, unloading, cleanup, etc.
Lab coats and goggles will be provided to volunteers. It is preferable that you wear jeans and some sort of kid-friendly Aggie t-shirt.
Interested students should email pennington@chem.tamu.edu and include the following:
- dates you are interested in signing up for
- phone number and email address
Available Dates to Volunteer
May 2012
ISWEEP
Location: George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston TX
Time: 9:30 am - 10:30 am; 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Houston ISD, Young Women's College Preparatory Academy
Location: 1906 Cleburne, Houston TX, 77004
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Creek View Elementary
Location: 1001 Eagle, College Station, TX
Time: 8:30 am - 9:30 am
New Waverly Intermediate
Location: New Waverly, TX
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Wertheimer Middle School
Location: Rosenberg, TX
Time: 8:20 am - 9:20 am
June 2012
Wells Branch Community Library
Location: Wells Branch Community Library
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
West Waco Library
Location: 5301 Bosque Blvd. 76710
Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Neal Recreation Center Summer Program
Location: 600 N. Randolph, Bryan, TX
Time: 1:00pm - 2:00 pm
Latexo ISD
Location: TBD
Time: TBD
Hearne Public Library, Summer Reading Program
Location: Hearne Public Library
Time: 1:15 pm - 2:15 pm
REU
Location: Organic Labs, Texas A&M University
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Larry J. Ringer Library Summer Reading Program
Location: Larry J. Ringer Library, College Station TX
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am; 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
North Zulch ISD's summer at risk student day camp
Location: North Zulch ISD
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Camp U Discovery for College Station ISD
Location: South Knoll Elementary, College Station TX
Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Clara Mounce Library Summer Reading Program
Location: Clara Mounce Library
Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am; 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
New Braunfels Public Library
Location: 700 Common Street, New Braunfels, TX
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
July 2012
Dripping Springs Community Library
Location: Dripping Springs Community Library
Time: TBD
Our Lady Queen of Peace Regional Catholic School, Summer Camp
Location: 1600 Hwy 2004, Richwood, TX 77531
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Freeport Library
Location: Freeport Library
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Brazoria Community Library
Location: Brazoria Community Library
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Taylor Public Library
Location: 801 Vance, Taylor, TX 76574
Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Pearland Library
Location: Pearland Library
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Friench Simpson Memorial Library
Location: Hallettsville, Texas
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Harker Heights Public Library
Location: Harker Heights Public Library
Time: 9:30 am - 10:30 ; 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Round Rock Public Library
Location: 216 E. Main St., Round Rock, TX
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm; 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
