Xavier University of Louisiana has proudly educated generations of leaders in every industry and has long advocated the importance of the pre-k to college pipeline. For decades, the university’s renowned summer programs have inspired younger students to pursue their passions while cultivating their unique talents and interests. Now, in partnership with the American Chemical Society (ACS), Xavier invites youth and their families to explore the wonders of chemistry with the ACS’s Kids Zone, which is a free family science event. It will be held in Xavier’s Convocation Center on Saturday, March 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. CDT. For more details and to register for the family-friendly event, visit the ACS Kids Zone website. Registration is required in advance. 

Activities that children and their families can participate in at the Kids Zone include:  

• Build-A-Battery Workshop - Make a voltaic pile powerful enough to light a small LED bulb. 
• Explore Electrolytes - Experiment and learn which beverage makes the best battery 
• Pencil Electrolysis - Find out which bubbles are made of hydrogen and which are made of oxygen. 
• Make-and-Take Paper Battery - Made of only paper, foil and saltwater, this small battery really works! 
• Soccer Ball Chemistry - Experiment with a deconstructed soccer ball to get the inside story on how it’s made. 
• Hand it to Chemistry! - Let your hands reveal whether you and a special someone have chemistry.  

This event is being held in conjunction with ACS Spring 2024.