American Chemical Society

Fun and Chemistry?

Yes, they go together!Upper Dauphin Area High School Chemistry Club

Advisor: Todd Smeltz

Leaders: Tyler Adams, Katie Shaffer, Leslie Etzweiler, Brandon Guo, Tyler Sidauga, Heath Starr

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Apply for Chemistry Club Grants!

International Year of Chemistry GrantSpark an early interest in chemistry and science while providing an opportunity for older students to interact positively with younger students.

High School students selected, planned and performed activities with the elementary students by visiting their classrooms. Each K-4 classroom was visited. There were a wide range of activities. The students are required to introduce and carry out the activity and help the students understand the science concept involved.

Assessment: The elementary students fill out a form to rate the activity, the high school students fill out a self assessment with a rubric that matches what the elementary teachers fill out to assess their performance.

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Reach out to the Community

Community Activities GrantWe contacted our local Human Services Center to plan a Science Literacy

Night. We used the book, S is for Scientist by Larry Verstraete to set the theme for the evening. The chemistry club students set up stations with different science activities where the elementary students discovered the science behind the fun. We also had the book available to read excerpts about different scientists and their discoveries.

We advertised the event through the area school districts, local newspapers and local radio stations. We held the event outside. We will be doing the activity again in late September at the Human Service Center's Fall Community Fair.

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Always Remember Safety!

Be sure that all planned activities take safety into account. This includes:• Transporting Materials: This is part of the student planning sheet – pay

particular attention to acids, glass containers and glassware.• Safety Glasses, Gloves and Aprons: We purchased classroom sets of child-

sized safety glasses, gloves and aprons for hands on activities. This also made the elementary students feel more like “scientists”.

• Have a plan if something goes wrong. Unexpected accidents can and do happen! Most elementary schools don't have eye-washes. Check to see what the school nurse has on hand to deal with potential problems. Eye wash bottles can be kept in the nurse's office as an extra precaution.

• Clean up – make sure there is nothing left behind on desks or student access areas that could be harmful or ruin clothing or papers.

• Check for allergies ahead of time. Activities sometimes include food – many students are sensitive to even small amounts of food. The classroom teacher can usually help with this.

Science Literacy NightNorthern Dauphin County Human

Services CenterElizabethville, PA

Safer Elephant Toothpaste and the all time favorite Slime!

Sparking an Interest in ChemistryUpper Dauphin Area Elementary School

Lykens, PA

Making some Glue Putty!

ICE CREAM!ICE CREAM!

Engaged in discussion!