What is the difference between a scientific inquiry and the
scientific method? Name a scientific
element that’s a good conductor of electricity but not heat. What year did Niels Bohr win the Nobel
Prize? Could you answer these questions?
Elementary
and middle school students from Council Rock South can.
For the first time ever, Council Rock South is engaging in a
science competition of epic proportion. The You
Be The Chemist (YBTC) Challenge® is an interactive academic
competition that teaches students in grades 5-8 about important chemistry
concepts, scientific discoveries, and laboratory safety.
The YBTC challenge competition was inspired by the Chemical
Educational Foundation® (CEF), a national non-profit organization
dedicated to fostering a greater understanding of the science and value of
chemistry. These types of competitions encourage the collaboration of
industry members, schools, and community organizations across the country, to educate
students about the value of science education and the role of chemistry in everyday
lives.
Renee Devlin, District Science Coordinator for Council Rock,
along with a team of volunteers is heading up the inaugural event. The Council Rock Qualifying Challenge, (the first
round of the YBTC challenge), will take place on February 9th at CR North from
11AM-1:00 PM. 90 students representing CR
elementary and middle schools, interspersed with some private school students, will
complete a written test of 50 multiple-choice questions. The test will be followed by some cool
chemistry demonstrations. The top 10
students will move on to the Local Challenge that will take place on March 6th
at the Dow Chemical facility against other area districts.
Devlin elaborates on the importance of the YBTC Challenge initiative. “Like all science enrichment programs we
offer, we hope the YBTC Challenge engages students and gets them talking about
science at home and becoming more excited about science in the classroom.”
Her volunteer team has done a wonderful job advertising the
program and providing facilitated study sessions. Renee’s outstanding team consists of teachers,
parents, teachers, Sal Colosi and Justin Kapusta, Science National
Honor Society students from both CR North and South and S.A.G.E. volunteer, Dr.
Wally Ropchan, a retired chemical engineer.
Dr. Wally Ropchan, a new S.A.G.E. volunteer, has had a tremendous
affect on the program, coordinating study sessions, visiting schools and walking
students through chemistry demonstrations. When asked what he enjoys most about the YBTC
Challenge, Wally says, “I enjoy the enthusiasm of both the teaching staff and students
for having me work with them on STEM centered activities. (Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Mathematics activities.) These
great students keep me on my toes with their focused questions. In addition, it is truly inspiring to see how
progressive the Council Rock School District is in its support for the S.A.G.E.
program as a valuable community-oriented approach to education. ”
The YBTC Challenge is inspiring the next generation of
scientists. Be sure to follow this “mini-series”
and see the outcome of the CR Qualifying Challenge on Feb. 9th!
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