Poster – “Molecule Magic”: A collaboration between scientists and informal science institutions to educate the public about chemistry

Research chemists from the Center for Enabling New Technologies Through Catalysis (CENTC) worked collaboratively with the Liberty Science Center (LSC) to develop a hands-on activity to educate visitors about how small molecules derived from petroleum feedstocks are used to make larger molecules that are then utilized in the production of everyday consumer goods. Researchers, faculty, and students provided the chemistry content and LSC worked with Blue Telescope Studios to create a user-friendly program for the Ideum Multitouch Table. The resulting “Molecule Magic,” an engaging and intuitive activity, leads visitors through basic chemical processes by which simple petrochemical building blocks are “stitched” together to make make larger molecules used for materials found in everyday objects.