New middle school science club

Emporia, Kansas, middle school students have a new after-school club this year, thanks to the efforts of James Blakemore, assistant professor of chemistry at KU. Blakemore started the club in October. The goal is to engage students in hands-on chemistry, ultimately building long-term relationships that help to inspire students to seek careers in science. Blakemore’s research assistant, Tyler Kerr, has since traveled 12 times along an 80-mile stretch of highway to lead the club activities. To see Blakemore’s lab first-hand, the club traveled to KU along with teachers, parents and several other students — 65 in all — over the course of two days.