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Changing the Perception of Chemistry through Community Outreach: Inspiring Future Scientists

MIKEAL MCKIM, ALEXANDER BUXTON, JESSICA FEYEN, ESMERALDA SANDOVAL, CARELY IBARRA, CHRIS SOTELO, MONICA GAJEWSKI, JESSICA MORENO KERRI SLAVENS, NASRIN MIRSALEH-KOHAN

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

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Magic Shows

An integral part of our organization is to provide fun and attractive learning environment to facilitate a growing interest in the STEM fields through exciting visual demonstrations.

Abstract

The Kappa Epsilon Mu (KEM) Club at Texas Woman's University (TWU) plays an integral part of our Denton campus and local community. As a student organization representing TWU, our goal is to inspire the next generation of scientists by presenting the fascinating aspects of chemistry through exciting visual demonstrations and other community activities. The TWU KEM club helps sponsor several special events on campus as well as taking our “KEM to U” show on the road to local elementary, middle and high schools. We have also started our “Calculate it Forward” campaign. This campaign allows students, faculty and community members to donate their unused calculators, so KEM club can then provide them to a community organization or school in need. Through our efforts we will continue to educate and inspire future scientists by sharing our knowledge and passion for chemistry with the students and community.

Girls Incorporated

Annually, KEM club members present a magic show and participate in activities related to a chemistry lecture at a TWU sponsored event that works together with Girls Inc. to promote their mission provided below. About Girls Inc.:Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold SM through life-changing programs and experiences that help girls navigate gender, economic, and social barriers. Research-based curricula, delivered by trained mentoring professionals in a positive all-girl environment equip girls to achieve academically; lead healthy and physically active lives; manage money; navigate media messages; and discover an interest in science, technology, engineering, and math. The network of local Girls Inc. nonprofit organizations serves 136,000 girls ages 6 - 18 annually across the United States and Canada. Girls Incorporated, http://www.girlsinc.org

Community Outreach

Our mission is to educate and inspire future scientists by sharing our knowledge and passion for chemistry in a variety of community venues. Science DayWe join local primary and secondary schools in their “Celebration of Science” by incorporating our magic show into an open house setting involving teachers, students, and parents. Science FairAn important part of most students introduction to the scientific method is participation in local science fairs. We contribute to this experience by providing qualified judges as well as performing magic shows to boost excitement and keep kids interested during the judging process. Texas Instruments “Bring your Kid to Work Day”We provide chemistry related activities for the children, talk about the importance of continuing their education and provide information about TWU’s chemistry, biology, and math departments. National Chemistry WeekWe collaborate with local universities annually during National Chemistry week in October at the Fort Worth Science and History Museum. Each year we provide a unique hands-on experience for the community. Calculate in ForwardTo help students who lack financial resources, we collect unwanted calculators and give them to local high schools for distribution to their students, therefore disrupting a financial barrier to education. Campus

Outreach

We inform incoming freshman majoring in Chemistry and Biochemistry about KEM club’s meetings and activities at the TWU Freshman Orientation. We also participate in a departmental “Meet-n-Greet” that provides undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to meet and interact with faculty and staff in the Chemistry and Biochemistry department. During this time we increase exposure of KEM club by demonstrating various experiments performed at magic shows. We take every opportunity to sponsor departmental events including receptions honoring faculty and alumni.

Acknowledgements go out to: Dr. Richard Sheardy and the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department of Texas Woman’s University, the KEM Club members, and the American Chemical Society,