Sul Ross State University

The Sul Ross State University Chemistry Club visited the local Alpine Christian School twice this semester for exciting chemistry outreach events on October 3 and October 17, 2019. Students and club members constructed acid/base rockets made from recycled water bottles and witnessed firsthand how the reaction between acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate formed carbon dioxide and launched the rockets into the air. Students also learned about redox chemistry through a penny oxidation experiment and played fun periodic table trivia games. The club recently received a grant for community outreach events and plans to continue engaging students with more entertaining and educational events. 

Marathon is a small town east of Alpine, Texas with a just a handful of students in middle and high school.

Marathon welcome sign photo courtesy of Carol Townsend via marathontexas.com.

The Sul Ross State University Chemistry Club hosted a chemistry outreach event in the nearby town of Marathon, Texas on October 25, 2019. The club visited Marathon ISD and performed two experiments with a group of about twenty students from the middle and high schools. Students learned about redox chemistry by observing the oxidation of pennies in various solutions and recorded their observations. Students also constructed acid/base rockets with the help of club members and learned how vinegar and baking soda react to form carbon dioxide and propel the rockets into “space”. A competition ensued in which students fought to shoot the highest rocket, but when you’re having fun with chemistry: everyone’s a winner!

The Sul Ross State University Chemistry Club participated in the university’s annual Fall on the Mall club recruitment event on September 24, 2019. Students interested in joining the club stopped by the booth to play periodic table matching and trivia games and learn more about how to get involved in club events.