ARS | Publication request: Caffeine, HPLC, Outreach (How Can We Interest Kids in Science?)

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: April 29, 2009
Publication Date: May 12, 2009
Citation: Cook, L.W. 2009. Caffeine, HPLC, Outreach - How Can We Interest Kids in Science? [abstract]. Minnesota Chromatography Forum 30th Annual Spring Symposium, May 12-14, 2009, Brooklyn Center, MN. p. 44.

Technical Abstract: A current challenge for the scientific community is to generate an interest in science in the general public. If we can interest our youth in science we can produce more scientists and raise awareness of science in our society. An outreach activity will be described which can be brought into the classroom to demonstrate one type of scientific procedure, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and show how it can be used for an analysis to which students can relate. Samples of soda pop can be injected directly into the HPLC and the results obtained in less than ten minutes. The actual amounts of caffeine per can or bottle of soda pop can be calculated. This can lead to a discussion of the levels of caffeine and its effects on the body as a health issue.