A publication of
The Illinois-Iowa Section of
The American Chemical Society
 

If you have items to be included in the next newsletter, submit the items by October 20^th to the Secretary.
For the latest information about upcoming events, visit our website at http://membership.acs.org/I/ILIA/

TITLE

Using Toys Creatively in Chemistry -- Mickey Sarquis and Lynn Hogue

ABSTRACT

What's the chemistry of a self-inflating balloon? or a drinking bird? or popular magician's tricks like putting a needle through a balloon? This presentation will make you smile and may bring out your inner child. See how simple toys and common household items can be used to unlock the mysteries of chemistry. All activities were developed by the Center for Chemistry Education through funding from the National Science Foundation, the Ohio Board of Regents, and Miami University. If you agree that play is learning without punishment, then you'll also agree that toys are ideal tools for learning science. Toys have the capability of uniting fun, hands-on play with minds-on learning. Feel like a kid again as you explore ways to use toys in your outreach programs, to spice up your classes, or to use with your own kids or grandkids. Become involved in the steps of the scientific method while solving the secrets of the Fortune Teller Miracle Fish. Find out what's so magic about Magic Sand. Many other toys will be demonstrated. All activities are user friendly, hands-on, highly motivational, and appealing to children no matter what their real age. You'll never look at toys the same way again.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Dr. Lynn Hogue was a high school science teacher for 30 years before joining Miami University's Center for Chemical Education as Associate Director in 1992. She has served as teacher programs director and lead instructor for more than 50 funded National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, National Petrochemical Refiners Association, and Ohio Board of Regents programs. Lynn is co-author of several teacher resource books including Family Science Fun from A to Z; Classroom Science from A to Z; Investigating Solids, Liquids, and Gases with TOYS; and Science Projects for Holidays Throughout the Year. She has worked with school districts throughout the country in presenting teacher inservices and assisting them with updating their science curricula. In addition, Lynn has given more than 100 featured presentations over the last five years. Sarquis-Hogue Team Presenters Sarquis and Hogue have worked together for more than 15 years developing chemistry-based toys lessons for teachers and students of all ages. They have made numerous plenary and invited presentations at ACS meetings, teacher meetings, and in-school special events for teachers and students. Themes of these presentations include kinesthetic activities, visualization in chemistry, student motivation to learn chemistry, using toys as a learning tool, and meeting the diverse needs of learners through an array of teaching strategies. In 2003-2004 alone, this dynamic team presented in Russia, England, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Chile, and Brazil and throughout the U.S.
 
Dr. Mickey Sarquis, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Director of the Center for Chemistry Education at Miami University, is an internationally recognized leader in chemistry and science education whose pioneering chemistry-based teacher enhancement and curriculum development efforts have become national and international models. She is a proponent of active learning and has received numerous teaching and service awards, including the Chemical Manufacturers Association National Catalyst Award for Excellence in Chemistry Teaching. She has published more than 60 books (including the popular Teaching Science with TOYS series), monographs, chapters, and articles and is a widely traveled guest lecturer and tour speaker. She is an active member of ACS, presently serving as a member of Council representing DivCHED, member of ACS Committee on Community Activities, Program Chair for the 2006 Biennial Chemical Education Conference to be held at Purdue University, and many other DivCHED committees. Mickey also served in the DivCHED chair succession (2001-2003), as the first high school editor of the Journal of Chemical Education (1979-1996), and as PolyEd liaison (1986-1995). Sarquis-Hogue Team Presenters Sarquis and Hogue have worked together for more than 15 years developing chemistry-based toys lessons for teachers and students of all ages. They have made numerous plenary and invited presentations at ACS meetings, teacher meetings, and in-school special events for teachers and students. Themes of these presentations include kinesthetic activities, visualization in chemistry, student motivation to learn chemistry, using toys as a learning tool, and meeting the diverse needs of learners through an array of teaching strategies. In 2003-2004 alone, this dynamic team presented in Russia, England, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Chile, and Brazil and throughout the U.S.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

NOVEMBER MEETING: Mon, NOVEMBER 5, St Ambrose College, Davenport, IA.
Topic; Molecular Wires-How Small Can You Go?, Speaker: Wayne Jones.
 
DECEMBER MEETING: Wed, NOVEMBER 28, Lagomarcino's, Davenport, IA,
Topic: Chocolate Making.

UPCOMING EVENTS

NATIONAL CHEMISTRY WEEK

National Chemistry Week 2007 is October 21-27. The theme is "The Many Faces of Chemistry." This year's NCW will focus on the diversity of chemistry and its practitioners. More information about NCW, including ideas for activities, can be found at http://chemistry.org/ncw.

The section has once again allocated money to help support your NCW activities. Please submit your request to Mary Ellen Biggin or any of the other executive committee members by September 27. (See addresses below in Newsletter) The request should include a description of the activity, a proposed budget, and your contact information.

We ask that you document any NCW activities you are involved in, even if they are not funded by the section. Please send a description of the event along with pictures to Mary Ellen Biggin.

Go to http://acswebcontent.acs.org/ncw/k-12contest.pdf for more information about the NCW poster contest.

Donald Kiser Memorial Scholarship

The scholarship review committee for 2007; George Bailey, Art Serianz, Rich Craddick and Rick Rogers reviewed the 24 applications .

The 2007 winner of the scholarship is Luke Roling, who graduated from Prince of Peace Academy and College Preparatory School. He will attend Iowa State University and plans to study Chemical Engineering and Mathematics. Rick Rogers attended the awards night at his school and presented the scholarship. Congratulations Luke!!