MMGM Storyhour @ Bethel Library: It’s Elemental!

Date: Thursday, Feb. 18
When: 3 p.m.
Where: Bethel Library, 6 Broad St., Bethel
Cost: Free!

Event Overview:

Join us for the next MMGM Storyhour at the Bethel Library for a lively, hands-on exploration of the Periodic Table. It brings chemistry off the page and into the real world. This interactive program dives into the building blocks of matter, eye-catching crystal structures, and one very cool element with a surprise twist.

Crystal Science: Bismuth “Hoppers”

Crystals are back—but with a scientific spin. Participants will discover bismuth hopper crystals, famous for their geometric, stair-stepped shapes and rainbow metallic sheen. Unlike many natural crystals, bismuth crystals can only be created in a lab, offering a fascinating look at how controlled conditions can shape matter.

We’ll also explore a tantalizing question: Which precious gemstone can not yet be made by scientists? The answer reveals the limits of modern chemistry—and why nature still has a few tricks up its sleeve.

Storytime Meets Science

The program includes a reading from It’s Elemental, a lively and accessible science book by Kate Biberdorf, also known as “Kate the Chemist.”

Blending humor, real-life examples, and approachable experiments, the book makes chemistry feel fun and relevant. While written for a general audience, it’s especially engaging for older kids (tweens and teens), families, and lifelong learners who love asking “why?”

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