Knox Student Prepares for Chemistry Exam -- with Chalk

By Laura Pochodylo ‘14

Chalk isn't just for hopscotch anymore.

Complex computations written in chalk on the sides of buildings* (such as George Davis Hall), in front of residence hall entrances, and on sidewalks recently appeared around campus. The chalk creations surfaced just before an exam in one of Knox College Professor Mary Crawford's chemistry classes.

Nicholas Behymer, a student in Crawford's class, utilized the chalk as an unconventional study aid.

"I thought it might make studying for the exam a bit more fun if, every time I completed a problem, I went around campus and chose a spot to write it in chalk," said Behymer, a junior from Elgin, Illinois, who is majoring in chemistry.

He didn't restrict himself to the area where science classes are normally held, because he "figured it would be entertaining to use some of the places where perhaps not as many math or science students might be found and see what their reactions would be."

(Photo above: Chalk computations on the sidewalk near the Science and Mathematics Center. Above right: Up-close look at computations on the exterior of George Davis Hall. Below: A more distant look at the chalk formulas on the GDH exterior.)

*Editor's Note: While chalk on sidewalks is permitted on campus, chalking buildings or other vertical surfaces is a violation of College policy.