UNL Chemistry Day helps high school students explore science interests

            More than 120 Nebraska high school juniors, seniors, their parents and teachers will converge on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Oct. 11 for the 14th annual Chemistry Day. The event, sponsored by UNL's Department of Chemistry, will offer hands-on activities, guided tours of research labs, a look at opportunities and exciting careers in the field of chemistry, and a chance to win scholarships to study chemistry at UNL.

            This year's event is built around the theme of "The Sweet Side of Chemistry--Candy." The planned lab demonstrations will be geared toward this theme.

            A scavenger hunt, Chemistry Quiz Bowl, panel discussion featuring current UNL chemistry undergraduates and roundtable for parents and teachers also are planned. Alumni will be on hand to talk about how a degree in chemistry helped launch their careers. All events will take place inside Hamilton Hall.

            High school seniors who attend can register to win chemistry major scholarships. The department plans to award several scholarships of up to $1,500 for the 2015-16 academic year. Interested students must have completed a high school chemistry course and have an overall GPA of a B+ or higher. Interested seniors should bring a copy of their high school transcript and a brief reference letter to be eligible for consideration. 

            Registration for Chemistry Day is free and includes a light breakfast and buffet lunch. For complete event details, including information about the scholarships or to register, visit http://chemistry.unl.edu or contact Peg Bergmeyer at 402-472-3514 or by email.