The chemical sector desperately needs new recruits - but there aren't only opportunities for boys!
That was the message conveyed to some 40 girls going into sixth and seventh grades who attended a chemistry day camp on Saturday. They took part in numerous experiments and demonstrations, giving them an insight into a possible career in science.
The aspiring young chemists participated in numerous hands-on projects including making soap and snow globes, extracting iron from breakfast cereal, and filling balloons with carbon dioxide.
The event was run by the East Central Illinois Women Chemists Committee and sponsored by the East Central Illinois section of the American Chemical Society and the University of Illinois Department of Chemistry. Around two dozen undergraduate and graduate chemistry students and staff members were on hand to help the girls with the experiments.
"We want them to see that chemistry is everywhere," said Lynne Miller, a professor of organic chemistry. "Science is not just for boys."
Next Saturday, another day camp will be held for girls going into eighth and ninth grades.
That was the message conveyed to some 40 girls going into sixth and seventh grades who attended a chemistry day camp on Saturday. They took part in numerous experiments and demonstrations, giving them an insight into a possible career in science.
The aspiring young chemists participated in numerous hands-on projects including making soap and snow globes, extracting iron from breakfast cereal, and filling balloons with carbon dioxide.
The event was run by the East Central Illinois Women Chemists Committee and sponsored by the East Central Illinois section of the American Chemical Society and the University of Illinois Department of Chemistry. Around two dozen undergraduate and graduate chemistry students and staff members were on hand to help the girls with the experiments.
"We want them to see that chemistry is everywhere," said Lynne Miller, a professor of organic chemistry. "Science is not just for boys."
Next Saturday, another day camp will be held for girls going into eighth and ninth grades.
In the UK, the WISE (Women into Science and Engineering) campaign (http://www.wisecampaign.org.uk/) collaborates with industry and education to encourage schoolgirls to pursue science or engineering related courses in school or college, and to move on into related careers. In fact, it was after attending one of their week-long courses that I decided to study engineering at university. That was a good few years ago now …