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

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June/July/August: No regular meetings. Illinois State Fair is in Mid-August, consider attending to help man the ACS booth.

ABSTRACT

Chemistry, Society and Science Fiction

Science fiction has long served as a vehicle by which non-scientists ncounter science topics. The use of science fiction as an organizing theme has a long history for classes for non-science majors. This talk reflects on past efforts and emphasizes the methods used by the speaker in his own "Chemistry and Science Fiction" course. Current trends in science background for SF stories will be noted and ways to introduce both a scientific and literature perspective will be addressed. A discussion of how SF tends to extrapolate from sound chemical principles to more speculative fiction will provide opportunities for audience participation.

Audience Level: General Public, Chemists, Students Categories: Chemistry and Society, General Science

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Dr. Thomas A. Holme

Dr. Holme is Director of the Examinations Institute of the ACS and a professor of chemistry at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. He and his research group carry out computational modeling studies of physiological implications of molecules that include main group elements, particularly boron and silicon. As Director of the Exams Institute he also has a significant interest in research that focuses on how to assess learning of chemistry. The application of emerging information technologies in the assessment of student knowledge composes the main thrust of his research interests in Chemistry Education. Dr. Holme is also active in Chemical Outreach. He was the recipient of the 1999 Helen Free Award for Public Outreach from the ACS and is always happy to help Local Sections with publicity efforts for their meetings when he visits.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

No Meetings until September.

NATIONAL CHEMISTRY WEEK

National chemistry Week will be held 21-27 October 2007. The theme this year is "The Many Faces of Chemistry". More information will be posted as this date gets closer. www.chemistry.org/ncw has some information now. The patch for this year looks like this!

Donald Kiser Memorial Scholarship

The scholarship review committee; George Bailey, Art Serianz, Rich Craddick and Rick Rogers reviewed the 24 applications . Winner will be announced soon.

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