EVENTS: Chemistry and Global Warming
In the 2008-2009 academic year, we explored the theme of Chemistry and Global Warming, namely chemistry’s role in fighting global warming. Our events are listed and described below.
National Chemistry Week and Mole Day Celebration
Week of October 26, 2008
Mole Day fell out during vacation this year. However, in the week we returned from Succot break, we handed out mole-day/national-chemistry-week flyers and chocolates.
Kukin Lecture
November 10, 2008
Dr. Harry Gray, from Caltech, delivered this year's Kukin Lecture, which was titled: “The Grand Challenge of the 21st Century: Making Fuel from Sunlight and Water.” Dr. Gray is the Arnold O. Beckman Professor of Chemistry and is the Founding Director of the Beckman Institute.
Mole Hunt
November 18, 2008
We had a mole hunt for a belated Mole Day celebration; we hid little stuffed moles on the chemistry floor for people to find.
An Inconvenient Truth Film Showing
November 25, 2008
We watched An Inconvenient Truth, Al Gore’s documentary about global warming. Our advertisement announced the event as: “It’s inconvenient, but is it the truth?” We showed the film in order for people to learn about and debate the causes and effects of global warming. This event was jointly hosted by the Political Science Club, the Environmental Club, and the Chemistry Club, with representatives from each of these clubs. The president of the Political Science Club began the event by handing out a small information booklet that had been compiled by all three clubs. She explained what the event was about, and students posited questions about global warming. They explained why they had come to see the documentary, what their expectations were, and their present thoughts on global warming. Then we proceeded to watch the documentary surrounded by good company and good food!
Science Journalism Lecture
December 3, 2008
Dr. Mitch Jacoby, a science journalist for Chemical and Engineering News, spoke about his career in science journalism. He received a Ph.D in physical chemistry from Northwestern University, worked in a lab for a while, and then began writing for Chemical and Engineering News. Dr. Jacoby spoke about different chemistry careers and about the benefits and interesting aspects of a career in science journalism. Dinner was provided.
Speaker from Solar One
December 17, 2008
A speaker from Solar One, an environmentally friendly organization that holds educational talks, gave a presentation explaining what makes NYC such a good place to produce solar power. He elaborated on how Solar One is trying to get a law passed to have NYC become a mass producer of solar energy. A question-and-answer session followed the discussion, and a sushi dinner was served. Tali Trachtman authored an article about the event for the Science and Health section of The Observer.
Crocheting with plastic grocery bags
February 9, 2009
This was a beginners’ lesson in learning the new trend of crocheting with plastic bags. It is a fun new skill and a novel way to recycle. Materials and crocheting needles were provided.
Presentation by a member of the Council on the Environment of New York City
February 25, 2009
In conjunction with Recyclemania, the Energy and Environment Club and the Office of Energy and Sustainability Programs sponsored a presentation by the Recycling Outreach Coordinator, Christina Salvi. Salvi, who is from the Council on the Environment of New York City (CENYC), discussed why and how to better recycle in New York City.
A visit to the Museum of Natural History
March 8, 2009
As part of Museum Mania, hosted by the Office of Student Affairs, the Chemistry Club invited Stern students to visit the Museum of Natural History. The museum’s popular exhibit, “Climate Change: The Threat to Life and a New Energy Future,” was of particular interest.
Tie-Dyeing!
March 31, 2009
Shirts and socks were provided for this very popular chemistry club event. Students learned the art of tie-dying while also gaining some new wonderfully colored clothing.
Chemistry Magic Show
April 30, 2009
Students presented some of the wonders and magic of chemistry with their well-rehearsed magic experiments. Various experiments were performed—from an explosion of "elephant toothpaste" to a carefully controlled clock reaction—with admirable audience participation.
February 9, 2009
This was a beginners’ lesson in learning the new trend of crocheting with plastic bags. It is a fun new skill and a novel way to recycle. Materials and crocheting needles were provided.
Presentation by a member of the Council on the Environment of New York City
February 25, 2009
In conjunction with Recyclemania, the Energy and Environment Club and the Office of Energy and Sustainability Programs sponsored a presentation by the Recycling Outreach Coordinator, Christina Salvi. Salvi, who is from the Council on the Environment of New York City (CENYC), discussed why and how to better recycle in New York City.
A visit to the Museum of Natural History
March 8, 2009
As part of Museum Mania, hosted by the Office of Student Affairs, the Chemistry Club invited Stern students to visit the Museum of Natural History. The museum’s popular exhibit, “Climate Change: The Threat to Life and a New Energy Future,” was of particular interest.
Tie-Dyeing!
March 31, 2009
Shirts and socks were provided for this very popular chemistry club event. Students learned the art of tie-dying while also gaining some new wonderfully colored clothing.
Chemistry Magic Show
April 30, 2009
Students presented some of the wonders and magic of chemistry with their well-rehearsed magic experiments. Various experiments were performed—from an explosion of "elephant toothpaste" to a carefully controlled clock reaction—with admirable audience participation.