Student learn hands-on at Chemistry Expo

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Seventh graders from Calcasieu, Allen and Cameron Parishes got to see science first-hand Thursday.

The 23rd Annual Chemistry Expo featured presentations on forming solids, mixing liquids, making silly putty and nitrogen gas.

Bennet Ardoin, a seventh grader who was at the event says his favorite experiment was the nitrogen display.

“It brings the interest of science like what you wanna be when you grow up.” Ardoin said.

His mother, Ashley Ardoin with Sasol, has helped out at the expo before, but this year was extra special since her son was in attendance.

“I’m just very excited to be here. I’ve been participating with the chem expo since I moved to Lake Charles and I’m really grateful that Sasol allows me to come and be here and be with my son as he finally aged into the field trip.” Ardoin said.

Lake Area Industry Alliance Executive Director Jim Rock says this is the Lake Area Industry Alliance’s biggest event of this year.

“We try to expose grammar school students - in this case seventh graders to chemistry and get them excited about chemistry and learn more about what we do in the industries.” Rock said.

Calcasieu Parish Superintendent Jason VanMetre says he hopes the event will spark students’ interest in science.

“These kids are going to remember forever so when they go on and leave school and they exit high school and they go do something in the science field because of that excitement and interest that we created here,” VanMetre said.