Alpha Chi Omega and Beta Theta Pi hold Science Fair

By Ryan, October 7, 2015

By Madeline Travell, Organizations Editor//

Sororities and fraternities are known for their Big/Little relationships. A big part of Greek life is based on the principle of mentorship and role models. High Point University’s chapters of Alpha Chi Omega sorority and Beta Theta Pi fraternity decided to pair with the Boys and Girls club for a small-scale science fair as a way to extend their mentorship local children.
“We had six experiments for them that are all things that anyone can do at home. Most of the experiments are fun ones found on YouTube or things we see on Facebook. Our goal with the event was to have something fun for them to do and watch,” said Nick Bellamy, vice president of programing for Beta.
The event was held in the Greek Village Conference Center ballroom with six stations set up. Representatives from each respective organization were manning the tables with the experiments. The organizations painted a banner with science symbols as their backdrop.
Alpha Chi had put on this event with another organization in the previous year. They hosted it again this year because they felt that philanthropy was more than a giving a monetary donation.
“We decided to join forces with Beta this year so our organizations could collaborate, make more friends and ultimately reach a larger audience,” said Hannah Shaheen, Alpha Chi Omega’s co-organizing representative.
Amanda Zielke, Alpha Chi Omega’s other co-organizing representative, managed three of the experiments that were shown. “The first was the classic erupting volcano. All we needed was dish soap to make the ‘lava’ bubble, vinegar and baking soda. The next was to teach the kids the importance of washing their hands. We had soap, pepper, and water. By adding the soap it dispersed the ‘germs’ (pepper), showing them how using soap and water is sanitary. The last experiment I put together was the cornstarch and water demonstration. The kids played with the gooey substance,” Zielke said.
These are a few of the examples that were available on display for the kids to interact and learn from. This fair was a great opportunity for the kids to learn in an environment other than sitting in a traditional classroom.
“We wanted to put on a philanthropy that was educational for the Boys and Girls Club,” Shaheen said.
Alpha Chi has worked with the club in the past and has established a relationship from it. While this is their second year having the science fair event, in the past they have also done a Zumbathon with the club.
“It’s great too see how excited they get and that they have so much fun going around the experiments, we really enjoy working with the kids,” Zielke said.
The kids who attended the event through the Boys and Girls club ranged from kindergarten through the fourth grade. With a lot of interest and participation, about 35 children came to the science fair.