News
October 28, 2015SI Group and miSci to Unveil New Interactive Chemistry Exhibit
On Tuesday, October 27 at 11 a.m., SI Group, a leading global developer and manufacturer of chemical intermediates, specialty resins, and solutions, will unveil a new permanent exhibit at miSci, The Museum of Innovation and Science in Schenectady. In celebration of the unveiling, SI Group has funded a science field trip for 20 Elmer Avenue Elementary School students. The students will be the very first to experience the exhibit.
“We are grateful to SI Group for making this exciting opportunity available to the students at Elmer Avenue. The new interactive exhibit at miSci is sure to generate excitement, as well as, encourage student interest and promote the importance of STEM,” said Laurence Spring, Superintendent for Schenectady City Schools. “We appreciate the collaborative efforts of SI Group and miSci to offer this exhibit, and recognize the value of having STEM-related programs and supports in our community.”
The new SI Group exhibit, Smart Chemistry, replaces the previous exhibit which was displayed from 2006 through 2013. The new exhibit is both interactive and hands-on, and seeks to educate children about the wonders of chemistry. Features of the new exhibit include:
- Bubble Table- A stationary bubble table equipped with several bubble-making wands. Science enthusiasts will learn about the chemistry that creates bubbles; why they are round, why they pop, and how they work.
- Bubble Booth- Museum visitors can enter the bubble booth, a large vertical stall equipped with a pulley that will form a bubble around its occupants.
- Build Your Own Molecule Tables- Those with an inquisitive mind can view examples of molecules made at SI Group facilities, or, they can create their own.
According to Dr. Mac Sudduth, President of miSci, the new exhibit will play an important role in informal STEM education. “We at miSci appreciate SI Group’s continued and thoughtful support. As a former chemist, I think the exhibit will show our vistors the fun of science and discovery.”
SI Group’s support of the Museum dates back to 1968, when the company and the Wright family, descendants of the founder of SI Group, W. Howard Wright, contributed to the construction of the then, Schenectady Museum.
“Our long-standing partnership with miSci is a collaboration aimed at inspiring people. Together, we recognize that ideas change the world,” said Frank Bozich, President & CEO at SI Group. “Our new exhibit is an extension of our company – and we’re excited for the local community to learn more about chemistry and about SI Group.”
In addition to the permanent exhibit, SI Group is funding a portable chemistry display for miSci respresentatives to use for local outreach programs, including school classroom visits and auditorium displays. The donation will cover the costs for demonstration materials including liquid nitrogen, glycerin, funnels, and soap solution. The miSci exhibit is one of the company’s ongoing efforts to provide STEM-related program support in the Capital Region. SI Group was a Platinum sponsor at the recent Back to School Expo, which took place on September 19 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. Additionally, the company participated in the 2015 National Chemistry Week event at the New York State Museum on October 17. The company staffed both events with SI Group chemists who conducted a number of science experiments with families.
