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Dr. ‘Picklestien’ meets Ontario Middle School students
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The Student Union Jordan C Ballroom was filled with youthful laughter and the levity of associate professor of chemistry Henry Charlier as he entertained 100 Ontario Middle School students Monday. Better known to the younger set as Dr. Picklestien, for his famous electrically lighted pickle, Charlier kept the students on their toes as he performed several chemical and electrical experiments.
He did several presentations, including homemade toothpaste that stood three feet tall before collapsing into a shapeless heap on the table. He also blew up a balloon with liquid nitrogen vapor, sending a harmless plume of nitrogen vapor wafting through the room. The glowing tube and Van de Graaff generator experiments demonstrated other aspects of chemistry and electricity.
The Van de Graaff generator was turned on the students, who watched in amazement as the currents levitated a stack of small pie plates into the air.
Charlier has been performing these feats of chemical magic to entertain young audiences for years. As a graduate student, Charlier noticed that he was able to connect with young people. He wants to popularize science so young school children make the same science connections that he made.
“My interest in science began in the third grade; that’s why I have a heart to talk to these kids now,” Charlier said.
Charlier, originally from Wisconsin, has been with Boise State for eight years. He teaches biochemistry and general chemistry. He holds a doctorate in biochemistry. Charlier is currently the president of the Idaho Academy of Science.
The middle school students reacted positively to Charlier’s presentation. Several students remarked that they would like to attend Boise State after they graduate from high school.
“I like BSU, I might want to go to BSU for my college,” OMS student Jasmin Rock said.
Following the session with Charlier, the students toured campus.
The final stop was Bronco Stadium, where students marveled at the achievements of the Boise State football team.
“The trip was fun, especially when we got to play on the blue turf, so was the chemistry show,” OMS student Alia Yano said.
Ontario Middle School sixth grade teachers make the annual trek with their students to Boise State in the hope that they connect with college culture.
CLAUDIO BEAGARIE
News Writer
