By Ru Fletcher, Craven CC student
The Science Club at Craven Community College kicked of the Christmas season right with food, fun, and a very festive experiment! After some snacks and hot chocolate, they ventured over to the lab across the hall and made some Christmas ornaments.
Clear glass ornaments were set on the table waiting to take on a new flare. The scientists took the top off of the ornaments and filled them with silver nitrate and two oxidation agents, then covered that top with a hand, and shook the ornament. One by one the ornaments were shaken until a coat of silver covered the inside. They were dark at first, but as the reaction continued they brightened, and with them, so did the students. After they were rinsed, capped, and dried there were all sorts of materials used to decorate them. Twelve ornament—previously clear—shined like mirrors.
The science club is always finding ways for fun and science to meet. It is impossible to be bored with science when at one of their meetings. Their passion for science creates a community that loves new knowledge, and loves new people. To join the Science Club and stay updated on their fun experiments and events contact Quent Lupton (252-638-7345 or luptonq@cravencc.edu) or Carmela Byrnes (252-638-7285 or byrnesc@cravencc.edu.) Shake up your routine, and come join the fun!