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DSU Chemistry show to perform in Pierre

             The Dakota State University Chemistry show will be making an appearance at the South Dakota Discovery Center and Aquarium in Pierre, SD this summer. The two-day event will take place on Friday June 22 and end on Saturday June 23.

            DSU student Erin Neilsen, who is a Pierre native, is the catalyst for the show, according to DSU associate professor of Natural Sciences, Richard Bleil. “When word of the DSU chemistry show from this past year made it to Pierre, Erin’s name was recognized as she is a Pierre native,” said Bleil. “Kristie Maher, (Executive Director of the South Dakota Discovery Center and Aquarium in Pierre) first contacted Erin with the possibility of reproducing the show in Pierre, who then contacted me.”

          Bleil says after talking with Maher it became apparent that there were a lot of possibilities for demonstrations at the Center that would not be possible here on the Dakota State campus. “Both because of the season in which the show is occurring as well as the location,” commented Bleil. “So, in our outdoor show I expect lots of explosions and flames, all controlled of course.”

        Jeremy Javers, a junior biology major from Tea, SD, Kyla Weisz, a junior Biology for Information Systems major from Sturgis, SD and Lori Weismantel a recent Madison High School graduate will also help with the show.

        “I’m looking forward to helping with the show,” said Weisz. “Being a part of the show will help me get to know more people and learn about different chemistry experiments.”

        The following is a schedule of events for the two-day event.

Friday, June 22:

• 9am – 2pm: GAC (Girls At the Center) show. Young women from the Discovery Center will help prepare the show and practice the demonstrations. After the show there will be an opportunity for them to ask questions regarding careers in science.
•  7 - 9pm: Indoor Chemistry Show open to the General Public.

Saturday, June 23:

• 9am - noon: Hands-on demonstrations for kids ages 10-13.
•  1 – 3pm: Hands-on demonstrations for kids ages 6-9. (With both of these, we're anticipating additional help from the GAC group)
•  8 – 10pm: The grand finale (outdoors)