Outreach
Science is fun, interesting, important, and something that you, too, can do. Those are the central themes of the Department of Chemistry's outreach programs, which are designed to spark young people's interest in chemistry, and to help young people see themselves as future college students, researchers, professors, and science professionals.
Recent Outreach Events
April 18, 2013
Cool Chem 2013 engages junior high girls in science
Approximately 70 7th and 8th grade girls will enjoy a day of hands-on chemistry workshops and demonstrations at the 8th annual Cool Chem Day, Saturday, April 27.
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August 20, 2012
Chemistry Department goes back to the prairie
The Department of Chemistry's outreach headed back to the Southwest Regional Outreach Center to participate in the University on the Prairie program.
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Some of the Department of Chemistry's educational and fun outreach programs include:
- Chemists in the Classroom: chemistry students conduct a variety of
demonstrations or workshops for groups at the university, at local schools, or
in the community. They also discuss chemistry careers.
- Energy & U: with
an educational slide show about energy set to music, and some demonstrations
that include loud explosions, bright flashes and flames, Energy and U ignites
students' interest in science.
- Cool
Chemistry: the annual Cool Chemistry workshop provides girls in 7th and 8th
grades with hands-on opportunities to explore the wonders of chemistry with
women in the Department of Chemistry's graduate program.
- Chemistry Day at the West 7th Community Center: Professor Christy Haynes leads a day of chemistry experiments at this Saint Paul community center.
Additional Outreach
The following programs are not organized by the Department
of Chemistry; however, a number of our professors and students volunteer their
time to help with these outreach activities. For additional information, click
on the links below:
- Chemists in
the Library: volunteers from varied chemistry careers and chemistry
students help young people and adults with chemistry experiments at community
libraries. The Minnesota Local Section of the American Chemical Society
organizes this program. Chemistry Professor Philippe
Buhlmann coordinates this program.
- Alpha Chi Sigma (AXE):
members of this professional chemistry fraternity conduct demonstrations at
many events.
- University
on the Prairie: professors and students engage young people living in rural
Minnesota in three days of hands-on and interactive science learning
experiences.
- Minnesota State Fair: chemistry
faculty, staff, and students are active participants in science activities at
the Minnesota State Fair, ranging from eco exhibits to demonstrations.
Schedules are published on the Department of Chemistry home page, and the College of Science &
Engineering website.
Outreach from the College of Science & Engineering
The College of Science & Engineering, which includes the
Department of Chemistry, has a number of outreach programs for young people of
all ages. For additional information, go to College of Science & Engineering.
