Who is organizing this event?
Cool Chemistry is organized by Women in Science and Engineering - Chemistry at the University of Minnesota. We are a group of female graduate students in the Department of Chemistry. At a brainstorming session in 2005 we identified developing a program to engage girls in chemistry as a priority, and Cool Chemistry is what we came up with. Around the same time, a Donaldson lecturer, Julia Phillips, donated her honorarium to WISE, allowing us to expand the scope of our plans. To learn more about WISE-Chemistry, please visit our website at nmr.chem.umn.edu/wise/wise.html. More information about UMN programs for women in science and engineering can be found at the Institute of Technology's Program for Women webpage.
Why would a teenage girl want to attend Cool Chemistry?
First, it's going to be tons of fun. Second, the girls will learn about modern issues in chemistry by doing hands-on experiments. Third, middle school and high school is when girls often begin to lose interest in science, because it is perceived as being "too hard" or "not cool." We want to counter those impressions by providing an environment where girls work together to use the scientific process of questioning, hypothesizing, and experimenting to solve relevant problems. The Cool Chemistry planning committee is in general agreement that workshops like this one along with encouraging mentors and teachers inspired us to study chemistry, and we'd like to provide that for others. Finally, who wouldn't want to see the awesome demos we've got planned for the end of the workshop, and taste the liquid nitrogen ice cream we'll be making?
Are scholarships available?
Yes. Just let us know if you need one by contacting yaoxx006 [at] umn.edu.
Why does this program focus specifically on chemistry, rather than other areas of science, math, and technology?
Well, we are a group of graduate students in chemistry, so we figured we would start with what we know best! We would like to expand it at some point to include other fields. If you have expertise or connections in these areas, please contact us. We hope to make this a huge event someday, where girls can do experiments related to science, math, technology, and engineering.
Can I sign up a large group?
Since space is limited, we are only accepting group registrations of 5 students or less. If you have a class or large group that is interested, you may consider contacting the Chemistry Department Outreach Program or the IT Outreach Program to schedule a demonstration program.
I am a educator. Can I attend this event?
If you are interested in volunteering before, during, or after the event, please contact us and we will gladly put you to work! Space is limited to 5 educators so contact us early if you are interested, first come, first served! Register here.