Over the past 22 years, the Saint Francis University Chemistry Club has used the Rural Outreach Chemistry for Kids (R.O.C.K.) program to engage the community and increase both community and student interest in Chemistry.  Through a department effort involving faculty and students, ROCK has averaged over 200+ community interactions each academic year, focusing on classroom visits (not auditorium shows). All of our activities are free to educational organizations, engaging K-12 students in hands-on science activities. Our website lists our menu of activities that allow teachers to select an event and potential visit date.  Once a R.O.C.K. event is scheduled, a leader accompanies 3-4 assistants/volunteers to a classroom.  The leader provides the science context and background.  Then with the help of the assistants, the entire SFU group leads the K-12 students through an activity designed to enhance the scientific method of discovery.  ROCK program assessment results indicate that program is effective and positively impacts both high school and Saint Francis University students who participated.  To fund the outreach activities, students and faculty have written many grant proposals, gaining funding from national sources such as the ACS, regional sources, such as Pennsylvania and West Virginia Campus Compact, and local support such as the Conemaugh Health System.   The presentation will discuss the beginnings and growth of ROCK including activities, funding, and maintenance of the program.<br/>

Saint Francis University Rural Outreach Chemistry for Kids (R.O.C.K.) Program: Over twenty years in the making!

255th National Meeting (2018)

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