The science and education worlds were buzzing about ten-year-old Clara Lazen from Kansas City. The fifth-grader had constructed a new unique molecule during her science class.  She is now credited with discovering tetranitratoxycarbon—a molecule constructed of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.