(11) Connecting Chemistry to Society:
93 - From the Cape Cod Science Cafe 2011 to STEM Journey 2016: How we have sustained our chemistry outreach beyond the International Year of Chemistry
Jennifer Maclachlan1 , pidgirl@gmail.com, Jack Driscoll1
1 PID Analyzers, LLC, Sandwich, Massachusetts, United States
1 PID Analyzers, LLC, Sandwich, Massachusetts, United States
Abstract Body:This presentation will explore how seed funding from an American Chemical Society science cafe mini-grant during the International Year of Chemistry in 2011 has led to more than seventeen Cape Cod Science Cafe events to date. Although the first three events focused on general public adult topics like the chemistry of culinary pairings of food and wine, alternative energy and protecting the waters on Cape Cod, the fourth science cafe was dedicated to 'healthy' kids. Hosted on a Sunday morning in the basement of a local library, the event drew over 150 attendees. We had some attendees drive more than twenty miles to attend! Important connections were made that morning with members of the Southeastern Massachusetts STEM (SEMASS STEM) Network, which as we became aware of and more involved in SEMASS STEM activities, we actually met more people in our own community who became interested in pursuing the mission of the Cape Cod Science Cafe and have partnered with us on various events. We developed a strategic alliance with the Cape and Islands Council of the Boy Scouts of America and have integrated chemistry and physics into an existing annual fall festival in 2013, (2014 and 2015 also) with the goal of having a stand-alone event which has become the annual STEM Journey spring event hosted by our local Community College. STEM Journey features an interactive Cape Cod Science Cafe with a thematic hands-on component and keynote talks. The 2016 STEM Journey III: Air, Land and Sea planning is currently underway. STEM Journey draws a general public audience of K-12 students and their families to local area adults interested in the keynote lectures. The Northeastern Local Section of the American Chemical Society continues to support the efforts of the Cape Cod Science Cafe together with PID Analyzers, LLC and occasionally other programming partners. Public relations and event promotion methods from community newspapers to Facebook shares and Twitter re-tweets will be addressed.
So excited to meet you at Pacifichem! I am hoping that our "Family and Work and Making it work" session will also lead to a future 'movement'. Talk soon!
ReplyDeleteSo excited to meet you at Pacifichem! I am hoping that our "Family and Work and Making it work" session will also lead to a future 'movement'. Talk soon!
ReplyDelete