The basics of organic chemistry nomenclature were introduced in a laboratory organized in a nonformal environment such as a science festival. The laboratory, divided into three distinct but interconnected activities, was aimed not only at secondary school students but also at lay people. The intent was to explain the importance of associating a…

Although residues and resource shortages are major problems of modern living, these topics are not usually properly covered in university curricula. To tackle this situation, we have guided undergraduate students through the design of a group of active learning activities, to demonstrate the science behind separation and recycling: trash…

A public demonstration of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) for fast and sensitive qualitative elemental analysis of solid everyday objects is described. This demonstration served as a showcase model for modern instrumentation (and for elemental analysis, in particular) to the public. Several steps were made to…

Many university science outreach programs involve presentations of research projects to high school students. These presentations often focus more on exciting scientific content and less on fostering direct relationships between high school students and scientists. Such interactions are important for sustaining student interest in science…

In honor of the 2014 International Year of Crystallography, the first Wisconsin Crystal Growing Competition was successfully organized and conducted. High school students from 26 schools across the state competed for prizes by growing large crystals of CuSO[subscript4]·5(H[subscript2]O). This paper describes how the event was planned and carried…

Electrochemistry, which combines chemistry and electronics, is an exciting field and those who are in this field are very versatile scientists. Electrochemistry is a combination of true phenomena and an instrument to teach much about other fields and its technological advances touch many other fields as well.

Discusses main points to be considered in developing a state-wide competition for chemistry students in high school. (CS)

Describes a high school chemistry competition at the University of Maryland (College Park). Basic guidelines, organization, events, and evaluation of the competition are provided. A list of events is presented. (YP)

"Science days" is a project to encourage school students interest at an early age and to ensure that students experience the benefit out of this opportunity. It is found that majority of outreach program focused on chemistry alone as an important science subject, and young students interest in general, and it stated that science should be fostered…

Describes the New Jersey Chemistry Olympics involving events such as library research, laboratory experimentation, model building, and computer programing. The goals, operational plan, competition events, and evaluation of the Olympics are discussed. (YP)

Contends that an established collaboration with a local resource--whether it be a university or trained professionals from local industry--can enhance the enthusiasm, resources, and experimental design of science fair projects. Describes the nature of some interactions related to a high school science fair and details some successful student…

Explores the selection, source, funding, time constraints, and community support involved in developing carefully planned and executed science projects. Lists 21 kinetics experiments noting the instrumentation needed and the original references. (MVL)