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SUNY Potsdam's Chemtoberfest to Celebrate 'Marvelous Metals'

SUNY Potsdam Hosts Chemtoberfest 2019 on Oct. 25, Looking at Marvelous Metals of the Periodic Table

Potsdam, NY (10/15/2019) — SUNY Potsdam's Department of Chemistry is perfecting a formula for fun, with the College's annual Chemtoberfest event, to be held on Friday, Oct. 25. The free festival will celebrate "Marvelous Metals" this year, in conjunction with National Chemistry Week.

Chemtoberfest will be offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, in the McNall Science Center (Stowell and Timerman halls), the Performing Arts Center and the Lougheed Learning Commons.

The event is free to all SUNY Potsdam students. Local school districts and educational institutions have been invited to send classes to Chemtoberfest as well. Outside groups must RSVP to attend, by calling (315) 267-2275.

Part fall festival, part science fair, Chemtoberfest will offer a variety of activities to usher in autumn and spread a passion for science to young and old. Chemtoberfest will once again feature science demonstrations, interactive activities and snacks, such as ice cream made with liquid nitrogen.

This year's festival will delve into the history and discovery of metals, their uses and a myriad of hands-on activities exploring their chemical and physical properties. Activities will include mirror-making, metallic "slime," chemical demos, geoscience tours and more.

Students will have the chance to explore how metals are used to make sound with a musical instrument "petting zoo," sponsored by Brick & Mortar Music. The scientific symphony will include dozens of percussion, brass and string instruments.

Participants will also be able to complete a marvelous rock and mineral scavenger hunt, in the Timerman Hall museum and the College's new Geoscience Garden. Alcoa will offer a demonstration and information table highlighting aluminum.

SUNY Potsdam's Chemtoberfest is sponsored by the Northern New York local section of the American Chemical Society, the Department of Chemistry, CSTEP, NCSTEP and the Chemistry Club. Business partners include Ace Evans & White, Airgas, Brick & Mortar Music, Stewart's Shops and PACES.

For more information, contact event organizer John Proetta at proettjc@potsdam.edu or call the Department of Chemistry at (315) 267-2275.

SUNY Potsdam's Department of Chemistry offers a rigorous and well-balanced curriculum that provides a solid foundation for successful graduate study or a career in chemistry or a chemistry-related field. The department is known for its strong and diverse undergraduate research programs, its $2 million in grants to support teaching and research, and the success of its students' acceptance to competitive graduate and professional schools. To find out more, visit http://www.potsdam.edu/academics/AAS/Chem.

About SUNY Potsdam:

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 3,600 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit http://www.potsdam.edu.

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A student volunteer leads a demonstration for visiting school groups during Chemtoberfest 2018 at SUNY Potsdam. This year’s event will take place on Friday, Oct. 25.

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