Carroll College continues to open its campus and share faculty expertise with the Helena community, creating hands-on learning opportunities that inspire curiosity and introduce young learners to the possibilities of science. In December, Carroll College chemistry faculty welcomed students from the Helena Public Schools Gifted and Talented PEAK program for a series of immersive workshops focused on the chemistry of plastics.
Approximately 160 third, fourth, and fifth grade PEAK students visited the campus of Carroll College on December 10, 11, 16, and 18. The workshops were designed and facilitated by Dr. John Rowley, associate professor of chemistry, who led students through college-level concepts using age-appropriate, engaging activities and Carroll’s laboratory facilities.
Beginning in November, PEAK students had been studying plastics in their classrooms, learning about different types of plastics, their names, and abbreviations. The Carroll workshops allowed students to take that foundational knowledge further by seeing what those terms mean from a chemistry perspective.
“It was exciting for the students to see what those names actually mean from a chemistry perspective, and to use high-tech instruments to analyze the chemical compositions of plastic items that the kids see and use every day,” said PEAK instructor Jeremy Slead. “The highlight was a lab where the students got to create their own plastic polymers in a lab setting. It meant a lot to them to be able to complete a real lab activity with actual chemicals and lab equipment (with proper safety gear of course!)”
Each workshop featured three hour-long activities. In the first, students participated in a role-playing game that demonstrated polymerization reactions. Students acted as monomers, using ropes to represent chemical bonds as they formed long linear polymer chains. Through movement and collaboration, students explored how polymer structure relates to physical properties.
“It was a fun experience! I really liked it. I liked making our own plastic,” said Tucker, a fourth grade PEAK student.
The second activity introduced students to infrared spectroscopy. Using college-level equipment, students collected infrared spectra from plastic samples gathered from a campus recycling bin. By comparing their data to reference tables, students determined the molecular structure of each plastic sample and learned how infrared light interacts with functional groups in organic molecules.
“The experience at Carroll College was the highlight of our unit,” said PEAK instructor Christina Sieminski. “Dr. Rowley guided students through the chemistry behind different types of plastics and provided them with the opportunity to use spectroscopy to collect and analyze data to determine the chemical composition of various materials. This rigorous, high-level activity challenged our students and deeply engaged them in the scientific process. One of the most memorable parts of the day was the hands-on laboratory experience, where students combined chemicals and used Bunsen burners to transform them into polyester. This is an experience our students will remember for years to come. We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Rowley and the Carroll College staff for making this opportunity possible.”
The final activity focused on synthesizing a polyester polymer. Students reviewed safety data sheets, learned about chemical safety protocols, and completed the polymerization reaction under close supervision.
“I am so thankful for the opportunity to support the incredible work of my Helena educational system colleagues,” said Dr. Rowley. “It was a lot of fun developing this workshop and working with these students. Their curiosity and enthusiasm was infectious.”
Student participants echoed that excitement.
“It was fun! We learned about polymers,” said Ryan, a fourth grade student.
“It was very educational and fun. We learned that there are a LOT of chemicals in plastic,” added Charley, a fifth grade student.
“I enjoyed it! It was very interesting to learn about polymer chains. We also learned about rings of molecules in plastic,” said Trey, also in fifth grade.
By sharing faculty expertise, laboratory space, and a welcoming campus environment, Carroll College continues to live out its mission of fostering curiosity and discovery beyond its own student body.
“Our mission calls us to instill an enduring wonder for knowledge,” said Dr. Jennifer Glowienka, co-president of Carroll College. “The engagement and educational opportunities our faculty provide the community is one example of how we live out our mission, not just for our students, but for our Helena community as well.”
Through experiences like the PEAK plastics workshops, Carroll College helps spark interest in science, supports local educators, and plants early seeds for future scientists and future Saints.