Local Schools Up for Adoption!

Why are University of Rochester graduate students back in fourth grade?

These volunteers are part of Adopt-a-School, a program designed to bring science resources and role models into local fourth grade classrooms. The group was created in 1990 by the Rochester Section of the American Chemical Society and is currently chaired by Katherine O’Brien. To make more outreach programs available to young chemists, the Rochester Section's Younger Chemists Committee (YCC) paired up with Adopt-a-School in 2003.

The project has taken off. This year, YCC adopted six fourth grade classrooms at James P. Duffy Elementary School (School 12) in downtown Rochester. Eighteen graduate students participate in the program. The students visit the school for one hour each month and bring topics like classification, magnetism, and chromatography to life for the fourth graders. As one volunteer stated, "Kids see that learning can be more than just reading from a book. It can be measuring water squeezed from a sponge to learn about volume, or sorting items in their own grocery store to learn about classification." The graduate students also meet monthly to discuss previous visits, prepare for the next kit, and brainstorm ways to improve their teaching strategies.

And the schools love it! Rochester YCC Chair Katie Leach says, "What impresses me the most is the way the classroom jumps to life when the kids sees us approaching. Even though we visit only once a month, the students remember our names and everything about us! The teachers appreciate how our lessons reinforce important concepts that they teach in the classroom, especially since we challenge students to think like real scientists."

Why fourth graders? According to the National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP), students' achievement at the fourth grade level lays the groundwork for the rest of their science education. There is also the New York State science exam, a standardized test that fourth graders take at the end of the school year. While working with Adopt-a-School's eight science kits, students gain crucial hands-on experience in topics that directly relate to questions posed on the exam and its laboratory components.

Students aren't the only ones who benefit from the program. Because the kits are made from household items, teachers are getting great ideas for do-it-yourself science resources. The program also fosters interaction between graduate students and local chemists, and strengthens ties between the University of Rochester and the community. Best of all, volunteers, teachers, and students have a great time cultivating this creative and lively learning atmosphere.

The YCC in Rochester is continuing to grow, and there are opportunities for local chemists and for students from area colleges and universities to get involved with Adopt-a-School. Volunteers who would like to learn more about the group can contact Lisa Carlson (lcarlso2@mail.rochester.edu).

Project SEED Mentors Needed

If you conduct laboratory research in chemistry or a chemically related science, your organization is invited to apply to participate in Project SEED, the American Chemical Society's social action program. This program places economically disadvantaged high school students in academic, industrial, and governmental laboratories for eight weeks during the summer. The program was established in 1968 to help high school students expand their career outlook and to provide opportunities for students who historically lack exposure to scientific careers.

First time participants would be students who have finished their sophomore or junior year and have had a year of chemistry. They would receive a fellowship award of $2,500. Each student does a research project in chemistry or a related field under the direct supervision of a scientist/mentor. The students must be economically disadvantaged and must be enrolled in high school and be recommended by a high school teacher.

Although the researchers/mentors receive no financial remuneration from the ACS, chemists and their departments are willing to participate in the Project SEED experience. Their willingness is derived from SEED's positive aspects in terms of developing an understanding in young people from diverse cultural backgrounds, the enthusiasm a young student brings to the research group, and the opportunity to serve the community in which their institution is located.

If you would like to participate, an application needs to be submitted to the national ACS by February 5, 2007. Lew Allen coordinates the program for the Rochester Section and would be happy to answer any questions and provide assistance in completing the brief application. You may contact him at (585) 586-9983 or by e-mail at lallen10@rochester.rr.com.

National Chemistry Olympiad

Dear Fellow Chemical Educator:

As Chemistry Olympiad Coordinator for the Rochester Section of the American Chemical Society, I am pleased to announce that we will be participating in the 2007 U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO). The primary goals of this program are to stimulate all young people to achieve excellence in chemistry and to recognize outstanding chemistry students, teachers and schools.

Students competing in the USNCO are eligible to be selected as members of the United States team for the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO). As in past years the U.S. will send a team of four students to compete against other nations at the IChO. This final team of four is chosen after an intensive two-week training camp (June 3-17) at the U.S. Air Force Academy attended by the top 20 U.S. students taking the exam. The team members participate in both theoretical (written) and laboratory examinations over several days. Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded to the highest achievers. In addition, the IChO provides students the opportunity to interact with their peers from other countries. The 2007 IChO will be held July 15-24 in Moscow, Russia.

We would like to encourage your school to participate in this program. The identification of the four-member U.S. team begins at the local level. It is the responsibility of the Rochester section to nominate students from this area to take the USNCO examination on Saturday, 28 April 2007, at McQuaid Jesuit High School from 8:00 a.m. to approximately 2:00 p.m. To identify these students we will conduct a preliminary screening of students through teacher recommendations. In a one-page recommendation on school letterhead, please explain why (based upon grades, effort, attitude, class rank, SAT scores) you feel the student should be chosen to participate in this rigorous 4¾ hour exam. Students must be U.S. citizens who will graduate no earlier than the spring of 2007 and have a date of birth after 31 July 1987. If selected, the student must attend all sessions at the U.S. Air Force Academy. You may recommend up to two students per high school. Please send recommendations to Brad Bovenzi, McQuaid Jesuit High School, 1800 South Clinton Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618, by 16 March 2006. All students who participate will be recognized at one of the three ACS Student Awards Nights in May.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for helping the ACS to promote chemical education.

Sincerely,

Brad Bovenzi
McQuaid Jesuit High School
bbovenzi@mcquaid.org
585.473.1130 x129