New methods for SAACS outreach and chapter development at NKU

CHED 1390

Celeste A. Morris, Craig D. Girten, girtenc1@nku.edu, Sean M. Goins, goinss1@nku.edu, Christropher P. Miller, millerc3@nku.edu, Rebecca A. Seger, segerr1@nku.edu, Heather A. Bullen, bullenh1@nku.edu, and Keith A. Walters, walterske@nku.edu. Department of Chemistry, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099
The NKU ACS Student Affiliates chapter has worked this year to expand interest in chemistry and increase involvement in SAACS activities. This has been achieved through a variety of different avenues including the development of intramural SAACS sports teams, Facebook groups, and activities to celebrate National Chemistry Week. This year a campus-wide event was organized for students to make ice cream with liquid nitrogen. The chapter also conducted hands-on demos at libraries in the Northern Kentucky region. This new approach was very successful as the children greatly enjoyed being able to perform experiments such as making bouncy balls, slime and lava lamps. Again, Facebook was an excellent tool used to announce upcoming SAACS activities including chemistry seminars, volunteer opportunities, outreach events, and tutoring. Upcoming plans include promoting green chemistry for Earth Day and creating a human periodic table. These activities promote interest and have greatly increased student participation in SAACS.