oppor t unitie~ in continuing educcrtion The 1983 Chemical Caravan Harvey R. Russell, Chairman Education Committee-CiCINJ 67 Claremont Avenue Blaomfleid. NJ 07003
The "Chemical Caravan" was a meeting of about 150 high school students who came from all sections of the State of New Jersey to Rutgers University, for a day-long series of meetings, lectures, discussions, etc., given by Rutgers faculty and representatives of the chemical industry on chemistry and its applications by the chemical industry. The goal of the program was to broaden students' perspectives on chemical technology and its impact op their lives including the vocational opportunities and the preparation required. (Students' questions and concerns were welcome even about controversial matters.) For the chemical industry, the Caravan nrovided an o~nortunitv to interact with a sie.. nifimnt num'ber of yvung peoplc and describe the work and roles the chemical ~)rucv.isineindustrv has in the life of the community. This was the 20th annual caravan.
edited by: D. BANGS
Roselie Park High School and Marblehead ETHYL Senior L. High SCHULTZ Schwi
faculty. The theme of the 1983 Chemical Caravan was "The Business of Chemistry." The intent of this theme was (1)to explain the chemical business, and (2) to emphasize the fact that students have an important agenda in preparing for careers in chemistry, whether those careers are in academic work. in business. or in government. &dents in small gr&ps were escorted to and from New Brunswick by practicing chemists. The informal conversations that resulted were quite beneficial to the students. The informal conversations that resulted were quite beneficial to the students. The formal morning session included presentations on: Chemistry After High School; Chemical and Biochemical Engineering; The new 4 R's-Recovery, Recycling, Re-Use, and Remainders: and Careers in Environmental Protection. During the afternoon session, students were encouraged to ask questions of a panel of young chemists who were working in chemical indusiry. The pnnt4'spoke 1,rirfly on the themr;.i:ife After Hinh School"and stress1.d the value of a -good math and science preparation. More information about the program can be obtained by .. writing to the author.
The Program The format of the Caravan program has developed over the past two decades through the cooperation of personnel of both the Chemical Industry Council of New Jersey and Rutgers This feature serves as the source of educational opportunities for Chemistry teachers. it includes up-to-date information on forthcoming wwkshoo~. , . seminars. and short courses. Readers also are offeredthe opportunihl to relate their personal experiences with these education programs. in addition, readers are invited to share their dreams and suggested designs for possible workshops. in this way it is hoped that potential sponsors will have a better idea of the needs and desires of their potential participants.
RAYMOND
I
Editor's Nde: Tne chsmlcai no.stv or vltai totheeconomf of hew Jersey. as n c.rrently employs 122.000 peope TheGarden Staleranks n.moer tuo behmd Texar as dx ocallon of chernfcai mdustres, oases on the value of products soid. Unfortunately, industrial applications of chemistry do not onen make their way into the classroom. in a effort to help overcome this void, the Chemical industry Council of New Jersey (CiCINJ) has established a program for teachers and students [J. CHEM. Ewc.. 58. 18911981)l. . .. Thismonth's feature ise briefdescriotionofthe program run n 1983 for hogn scnoo slaenls. Slaenls from my classroom pamc pates in tKs poqram anndaiiy am ai f a n d # to oe emerne y worthwhile--to the point of encouraging most to continue their studies
Volume 61
Number 5
May 1984
549
