AMARILLO, TEXAS -- The Randal High School Chemistry Club presented the scientific effects of different elements at Region 16 Saturday.
Teachers from schools all around the Panhandle came to watch the demonstrations and get ideas to take back to their students. The experiments varied in skill levels so teachers could take the ideas back to students of all ages.
"We realize that this is a really serious thing we're doing here," Chemistry Club President Tyler Wingo said, "and it's something we can take with us through college and the rest of our lives."
Most of the experiments went as planned, but even the ones that showed some flaws were experiments that could be learned from.
"Most of them went well," Chemistry Club Sponsor Jo King stated. "We always have problems. As with every demo, there's always going to be problems. I like the fact that the kids know how to deal with that. When the demo doesn't work, they're able to handle it just fine and go on."
King said there's more to chemistry than just which elements can create explosions and pretty colors.
"Presentation skills- that's the hardest thing for them is the presentation. Others have had to do research- a lot of research to get their demos to work. The safety aspect of it is huge."
Though most of the students did not seem to need more inspiration, a special guest paid them a visit. Past Texas Education Agency Head of Science Ken Hedrick sat in to watch the experiments and congratulated the kids when all was done.
King said the club is beneficial to the kids because of what they learn while involved and what they can do in the future with those things they learn.
