Press Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Cameron Moore
954.713.0904
cmoore@mods.net
Kids Use Chemistry to Turn Pennies Golden in STEM Experiments
with GSK Science in the Summer™
Fort Lauderdale, FL, June 29, 2015 – This summer, Broward County students can participate
in GSK Science in the Summer™ (www.scienceinthesummer.com), a national program that is
committed to enriching young minds through its free summer science education program.
Through the program, second through sixth grade students will put on their science hats and
goggles and explore the wonders of chemistry through fun, hands-on experiments at The City of
Hallandale Beach’s Hepburn Center.
The national GSK Science in the Summer™ program, coordinated by the American Association
for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), will teach students the basics of chemistry through
hands-on experiments lead by Museum of Discovery and Science educators. Young scientists
will learn what matter is and that it is not always the same. They will observe physical and
chemical changes with fun, interactive experiments. Students also will decide if substances are
acids, bases, or neutrals by using litmus and pH papers and a universal indicator. For more
information, visit www.scienceinthesummer.com.
To spread the joy of science, GSK Science in the Summer™ is sharing an experiment from its
chemistry curriculum—an experiment that you can do in your very own home! Please note for
optimum safety, an adult should be present during all experiments, and safety glasses should be
worn while conducting experiments.
Copper Penny Experiment: Turning Pennies into “Gold”
What is chemistry? Chemistry is the science of change. It classifies all the substances around us
and looks at how they interact with each other. Understanding the difference between physical
and chemical changes is important.
Materials: Pennies, Clear Plastic Cup, Graduated Cylinder, Vinegar, Salt, Teaspoon
CAUTION: Tell students that scientists never put their noses into beakers, or taste
unknown substances. Instead, they use an action called “wafting,” (moving the air over the
beaker towards their noses) to detect odors.
1. Begin by writing ALCHEMY on the chart paper. Explain that many years ago, people
tried to make gold, usually for the king of the land. Alchemy is the process they used. It
means that they took other metals and tried to turn them into gold. Tell the students that
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they are going to be alchemists. (Write this word on the chart as well.) You can also write
the symbol for gold (Au) on the periodic table and the Latin word that is underneath it,
Aurum.
Give the students some tarnished pennies. Ask them to place a tarnished penny in a clear
plastic cup (6 oz).
Pour 30ml vinegar into each student’s graduated cylinder.
Tell them to pour the vinegar (an acetic solution) into the plastic cup and then add one
teaspoon salt (sodium chloride).
Ask the students to observe what happens and discuss the results.
Ask them how the alchemists would have described what happened. Were they right?
Was this a physical or chemical change?
The adults should empty and rinse the plastic cups for the students.
AAAS is an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing science, technology,
and engineering for the benefit of all people. For further information, please visit www.aaas.org/.
GSK – one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is
committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and
live longer. For further information, go to us.gsk.com, follow us on twitter.com/GSKUS, or visit
our blog (www.morethanmedicine.us.gsk.com/blog/).
For more information on GSK’s global STEM education program, visit
gskscienceeducation.com.
Marti Skold Jordan, Manager External Communications, 919-315-8854, marti.x.skoldjordan@gsk.com
Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/41717itzgfiv797/AADE9ruc_56siN1mhMZxeNkaa?dl=0
Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements
GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those
made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ
materially from those projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described under Item
3.D 'Risk factors' in the company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2013.
About the Museum of Discovery and Science
The mission of the Museum of Discovery and Science is to provide experiential pathways to lifelong
learning in science for children and adults through exhibits, programs and films. Founded in 1976 as
The Discovery Center, the nonprofit facility serves approximately 450,000 visitors annually. Major
operational support for the Museum is provided through generous support by Leadership Guild
members including: Broward Health, JM Family Enterprises, Inc., Sun Sentinel and Wells Fargo.
The Museum of Discovery and Science is located downtown at 401 SW Second Street, Fort
Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, visitors should call
954.467.MODS (6637) or visit our web site at www.mods.org
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Media Contacts:
Cameron Moore
Marlene Janetos
Theresa Waldron
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954.713.0904 cmoore@mods.net
954.713.0915 mjanetos@mods.net
954.713.0901 twaldron@mods.net