UK Offers a Sweet Lesson in Candy Chemistry

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 21, 2014) — Trick or treat! The University of Kentucky is offering local children a sugar-coated chemistry lesson a full week before Halloween.

“The Sweet Side of Chemistry: Candy” is the theme of this year’s annual demonstration show, presented by the UK Department of Chemistry's graduate students at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, in Room 139 Chemistry/Physics Building. The show presents the students' favorite live chemistry demonstrations in a fun, easy-to-understand format, in celebration of National Chemistry Week, Oct. 19-25.

Families are encouraged to attend the event, which promises lots of kid appeal.  

“This event is a great way to share our enthusiasm for science with the people of Lexington” said UK Chemistry Professor Anne-Frances Miller. “They’ll come away with an understanding that chemistry is everywhere — not just in laboratories and textbooks, but in everyday things like a piece of candy. It turns out that making candy involves very robust physical chemistry, and consuming it engages important biochemistry. We have calorie-free treats too, colorful reactions, exciting showpieces as well as very visual demonstrations of principles children learn in elementary school all the way through high-school. There is something for everyone, including activities our audience can join us in demonstrating.”

For visitor parking information, visit http://www.uky.edu/pts/parking-info_visitor-parking#weekend. (Please note that the Funkhouser Drive lot remains accessible from Rose Street at this time.)

For further information, please contact Catherine Denning at cadenning1@uky.edu. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Keith Hautala, 859-323-2396; keith.hautala@uky.edu