Chemistry day outreach program for elementary school students

CHED 376

Krista Prescott, Jennifer Whiles Lillig, Jennifer.Whiles@sonoma.edu, Kelly Joy Banker, Melinda Mulvihill, Angelina Cucci, Ryan L Peterson, Justin Foust, Carmen F. Works, works@sonoma.edu, and Elizabeth Sterns. Department of Chemistry, Sonoma State University, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, CA 94928
In celebration of National Chemistry Week, the SSU Chemistry Club hosts an annual outreach event for the community. The October 2006 event involved approximately 70 2nd and 3rd graders from Petaluma, CA. Groups of eight students were led through a series of hands-on activities and demonstrations. The kids were also given grab bags stuffed with goodies including SSU and ACS school supplies, stickers, and instructions for performing some of the experiments at home. In addition to the club members, there were SSU student volunteers from many of the lower and upper division chemistry courses. The event was covered by the local newspaper and news station. Details and highlights of the day will be presented.