The EOU Chemistry Club demonstrates how to use liquid nitrogen to make ice cream. The club will offer hands-on science activities for children during the La Grande Farmers Market on Saturday, Oct. 16.

LA GRANDE — Youth who visit the La Grande Farmers Market this Saturday will have the chance to see science in action, thanks to the Chemistry Club from Eastern Oregon University.

“We try to inspire the next generation to be interested in science,” said Anna Cavinato, EOU professor of chemistry.

The club will be at the market from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 16. It is held in downtown La Grande in Max Square.

Cavinato said this activity is celebrating National Chemistry Week.

“Chemists all over the world are encouraged to celebrate chemistry in different ways, including outreach,” she said.

The theme is “Fast or Slow — Chemistry Makes It Go.” Cavinato said this references the variable rates of chemical reactions. All the market activities will be “fun and safe.”

“We like the children to actually do the activities themselves,” she said.

She hopes to also have information on science experiments that children can do at home.

The EOU Chemistry club has 20 to 30 members. It meets every other Monday at EOU.

The club has, for 12 years in a row, earned an outstanding award from the American Chemical Society. This honor, Cavinato said, is based on the club’s yearly activities such as outreach, Girls in Science, professional development, and work on campus including tutoring and teaching assistants.

“That’s another reason to celebrate,” Cavinato said.