The faculty and students of the Marietta College Department of Chemistry are active in a number of programs on and off the college campus. Many of these programs are designed specifically to encourage grade school and high school students to pursue careers in chemistry or other sciences. The chemistry club is especially active in a number of these programs. Students wishing to take part in any of these community outreach programs are encouraged to contact a member of the chemistry club or a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry.
The following is a representative listing of outreach programs sponsored by or participated in by the Department of Chemistry, including the date(s) for upcoming events. To find out more about the event, click on the program name.
Women in the Sciences (WITS)
The WITS Summer Science Camp is a week long math and science program which gives highly motivated students, entering grades 5-8, a week of hands-on learning in math and the sciences. Female members of the Department of Chemistry serve as mentors for the students, as well as taking the students to collect water samples at a strip mine and analyzing the samples using chemical techniques
4-H Space Adventure Camp
4-H space camp is a cooperative venture between the Ohio State University Extension and Marietta College. The three action-packed days take 4-H girls and boys through an exciting adventure in hands-on learning. The faculty of the Department of Chemistry participate in this event by performing an annual "chemistry magic show".
National Chemistry Week
National Chemistry Week (NCW) is a community-based program sponsored by the American Chemical Society (ACS). This annual event unites ACS local sections, industries, schools, and individuals in communicating the importance of chemistry to our quality of life. The faculty and students of the Department of Chemistry sponsor on- and off-campus activities, including magic shows for area school children, and a demonstration booth for children and adults at the Grand Central Mall in Parkersburg, West Virgina.
Chemical Magic Shows
Students in the chemistry club perform annual magic shows for area school children. In the past, these performances have coincided with National Chemistry Week. Contact Dr. Jim Jeitler for more information or if you would like to set up a "magic" show.
Science Olympiad
Since 2003, Marietta College has been a regional host of the Science Olympiad. This is an event that brings area middle and high school students to Marietta College for a one day science competition against other schools. The faculty of the Department of Chemistry serve as event supervisors. For more information, contact Dr. Dennis Kuhl (physics department).
Science Fair
Marietta College serves as a host site for The Ohio Academy of Science's District Science Day. Students from six counties in the Southeastern Ohio participate in the science fair, with ~20-25% of students advancing to the State Science Fair at The Ohio State University. Marietta College students and faculty participate in the science fair by serving as judges. The faculty in the Department of Chemistry are also responsible for much of the set-up and clean-up before and after the fair. In addition, Dr. Jim Jeitler serves as the District 9 science fair director.
Young Engineers and Scientists Field Days
The Young Engineers and Scientists (YES) program was developed under the auspices of the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce as part of a Telesis leadership study in 1992. In 2010, the 18th annual field day will take place, providing an opportunity for ~1000 seventh and eighth grade students to learn about science. The purpose of the program is to help teach students that science can be fun, as well as to encourage them to pursue a career in science. The faculty of the Department of Chemistry perform various chemical demonstrations for the students.