Energy cannot be created or destroyed, but it can be changed from one form to another. This basic law of science is being demonstrated for grade-school students in a series of “Energy and U” events this week at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. The College of Science and Engineering’s outreach program aims to bring children onto campus and into contact with professors — particularly students of color and those receiving free or reduced-priced lunch.
“We try to emphasize that they, too, could do what we do every day,” said chemistry professor David Blank, one of the creators of the program.
Tuesday’s audience at the U’s Smith Hall consisted of third- and fifth-grade students from L’Etoile du Nord French Immersion school in St. Paul and Burroughs Community School in Minneapolis. More than 5,000 students are expected during the five-day event ending Friday, with three shows a day. Because of space constraints, the shows are not open to the public.
The show includes a demonstration of how methane gas can generate heat and light and how how chemical energy stored in batteries is turned into motion. Students learn via a slideshow set to music and from demonstrations that include loud explosions, flames and a dance party.