ChemSA Holds Open House Exhibit

By Frances Ann G. Descallar

The College of Arts and Sciences held its open house exhibit last August 24-25, 2010. High schools from Cebu City were invited to witness exhibits and hands-on demonstrations from different departments of the College. Concurrently, it was also the USC Intramurals and Foundation Week.



The Chemistry Students’ Association (ChemSA) coined the theme Phases of Chemistry: Facing It Every Day for this year’s departmental showcase. Venice Jane Villarin, ChemSA president, together with the organization’s advisers, Lora Mae Villegas and Queenie Marie Maquilang, spearheaded the event. BS Chemistry undergraduate students organized four major exhibits, namely Industrial, Pharmaceutical, Household and Black Chemistry.

The Industrial group presented small-scale setups on how to prepare soap and extract limonene from oranges. The Pharmaceutical group demonstrated the microscale production of acetylsalicylic acid and methyl salicylate. The Household Chemistry group utilized materials that can be easily found in our homes. The Black Chemistry group regaled the audience with a flamboyant set of experiments: Burning Hands and Magic Wand, Blue Bottle and Wine, Milk, and Beer.

The exhibits drew a huge number of students from various high schools. Traditionally, ChemSA would only invite third-year and fourth-year students, however, for this time around the organization was delighted to welcome all year-level representatives.

Photo: J. Locaylocay