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October 16, 2025 -The Children’s Museum of Illinois has partnered with Millikin University to bring chemistry to kids, museum-style, with ChemGirls and ChemKids.
ChemGirls and ChemKids are two programs designed to connect kids in grades fifth – eighth with chemistry in a fun, hands-on way. Both programs offer two one-day camps where kids will experiment with colors, dyes, and unconventional materials in the classroom and in the Millikin University Chemistry Lab.
The final session for both programs will be held in Millikin’s Leighty-Tabor Science Center from 9 am – 12 pm on Saturday, October 18th. Both camps will focus on colorful natural and man made compounds for fabric tie dye and henna tattoos. As budding chemists, campers will be introduced to pipettes, spectrophotometric instrumentation, and titrations.
Dr. Anne Rodriguez, Millikin professor and ChemGirls/ChemKids instructor, explains, “Early exposure to chemistry experiments allows youngsters to explore, encourages persistence in STEM, and keeps their future opportunities open. Many professions benefit from the critical thinking skills taught in math and science.”
The program is made possible by the She Gave Women’s Giving Circle for allowing to provide scholarships and by Ameren for investing in STEM programming at the museum.
