Science day at DES

The wonders of chemistry were on full display at Delano Elementary School Friday, March 9, when a pair of visiting scientists performed a variety of demonstrations with acids and bases, the fire triangle, and more.

 

Brian and Tara Mullen, Delano residents for the past 10 years and the parents of two Delano students, brought their PhD credentials and a wealth of experience to their presentations. Collectively, the pair holds 58 U.S. patents.

 

Brian works in construction chemicals with BASF, a company that has provided coatings for materials in iconic structures like One World Trade Center, U.S. Bank Stadium and Target Field. Tara works for Suez Water Technologies, which handles water purification and cleanup services, among other things.

 

“The reason I like science is it causes me to think,” Brian told students, describing how his interest in the field was sparked when a scientist visited his school when he was a student. “I see something and it makes me ask why things happen.”

 

Tara described a few of the couple’s past ventures as a way of showing the broad possibilities students can enjoy in the field.

“There are all sorts of fun things you can do if you want to be a scientist,” she said.

 

In their demonstrations, the Mullens showed the effects of carbon dioxide on a candle’s flame, changed the color of a liquid by adding acids or bases, and captured gas in a balloon.

 

“We just want some sparks to go off in their minds about chemistry and help them get ready for the Imagination Fair coming up next month,” said Brian.

 

After the demonstrations each student received color-changing cups and pencils, along with a magazine, courtesy of BASF.