Behrend holds sixth annual chemistry day

This past Thursday, Behrend held its sixth annual chemistry day. Students from 16 high schools in Erie, Crawford, and Warren county, as well as a county in New York, were invited to participate in the event.  The program allows students to partake in experiments and interact with chemistry professors and other students from across the area.

Students with strong backgrounds in chemistry are invited to attend in February and the event is planned throughout March and April. About 13 or so faculty members, 15 staff members, and catering workers put forth their time to help make this event a success. Faculty and staff also had help from 14 Behrend students. There are always opportunities for interested students to participate in the program, said Tracy Halmi, senior lecturer in chemistry.

While the program requires a lot of time and preparation, it has come a long way since 2006 and was initially inspired by local high school teachers and the Faraday Lecture series at the University of Pittsburgh. In 2007, the number of schools that attended the event doubled and the program has only grown from there.

“This program continues to provide enrichment beyond the classroom and showcases the students’ chemistry knowledge and abilities,” Halmi said. “We hope to open it up to schools in Ohio next year.”