Chemistry calls, Council Rock answers - Part 2

When cool lab demonstrations mix with fun facts, Chemistry can be a fascinating science.  Just ask any Council Rock student participating in the You Be The Chemist (YBTC) Challenge.^®   

On February 12^th, elementary and middle school students participated in the first round of the YBTC Challenge at Council Rock North high school.  The YBTC is a nationwide, interactive academic competition that teaches students in grades 5-8 about important chemistry concepts, scientific discoveries, and laboratory safety.

This is Council Rock’s first year participating in the competition and they came to play.  Renee Devlin, District Science Coordinator for Council Rock, along with a team of volunteers, headed up the event.  According to Biology and Astronomy student teacher, Justin Kapusta, there was an overwhelming response for participants.  The district had to limit participation to 100 students after reaching that number almost immediately!  About 50 students took the qualifying test in round one and 10 students moved on to Round 2 which will be held on March 6^th at the Dow Chemical facility in Spring House, PA. 

The outstanding students moving on, both male and female, represent diverse backgrounds; two 5th graders, five 6th graders and two 7th graders.  These students from Sol Feinstone Elementary, Goodnoe Elementary, Churchville Elementary, Holland Elementary, Rolling Hills Elementary, Newtown Middle School, Holland Middle School, and Richboro Middle School will now face off against other area districts. 

“I’m thrilled to be a part of this fantastic enrichment experience,” says Kapusta.  My role in assisting Renee Devlin quickly evolved, almost overnight.  I became the main contact for participants and their parents, set up the WikiSpace (website) and ran every event with the help of our terrific S.A.G.E. volunteers, high school volunteers, Sal Colosi, Nancy Tillery, Dr. Sandra Kiselica, and many others.  The YBTC Challenge is great because it introduces younger children to a more advanced science subject.”

The inaugural YBTC Challenge at Council Rock was an overwhelming success.  From all of us at Senior Adults for Greater Education, congratulations to all participants and good luck on March 6^th.  We look forward to more good news!