Círculo de química: Improving chemistry knowledge at UPR-Cayey

CHED 1514

E. Reyes, ereyes@cayey.upr.edu, Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico at Cayey, Antonio R. Barcelo Ave., Cayey, PR 00736-9997
In 1972, a student organization was established at the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey (UPR-Cayey) known as the “Círculo de Química” or Chemistry Circle. This organization is affiliated with the Student Dean's Office at UPR-Cayey, the Chemistry College of Puerto Rico, and the American Chemical Society (ACS). This year, our university is celebrating its 40th anniversary and our mission continues to be: to promote interest among students and the community in general for Chemistry as it has been for the last 35 years. We sponsor seminars related to chemistry careers, offer community services, academic activities, foster friendships and personal development. To motivate young students to study chemistry, we have organized academic activities such as: chemistry demonstrations where students are encouraged to participate in some “hands on” experiments. The XVII Techno Chem is one of the anniversary activities and it is a weeklong program including: discussion panels with government officials, plenary sessions with professionals from the area, demonstrations, and competitions at the university and high school levels (Oquimpiadas and Jr. Oquimpiadas). Open houses for high school students are organized in order to show them our facilities and what the Chemistry Department has to offer. “Círculo de Química” is one of the most active organizations in our university and we strive to improve it everyday, with dedication and motivation.