Elements of surprise for all ages

Is your wedding ring really 14 karat gold? An x-ray fluorescence device can reveal the answer — and promote science to the public. In early 2016, the CEBC purchased one of these devices with a grant from NSF. It has been demonstrated at more than half a dozen events this year at schools, museums and libraries for hundreds of people, including the group of middle schoolers from Emporia, Kansas, during their tour of Assistant Professor James Blakemore’s laboratory.