West Virginia State University’s (WVSU) student chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS) is expanding its efforts to bring science education to K-12 youth in Putnam County through a partnership with Calvary Baptist Academy in Teays Valley.
WVSU Assistant Professor of Chemistry Dr. Micheal Fultz, and Mr. Bryan Barnett of Calvary Baptist Academy, were among 200 pairings selected to participate in the 2014-2015 ACS Science Coaches program. The national initiative encourages chemistry professionals to partner with and share their expertise and enthusiasm for science with an elementary, middle or high school teacher during an academic year.
“Through this partnership, and others, State is encouraging young people to explore science and discover how our modern day conveniences are a product of scientific discoveries,” said Dr. Robert J. Barney, Interim Dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at WVSU. “The students of the WVSU American Chemical Society student chapter, guided by Dr. Fultz, continue to be a driving force expanding outreach opportunities that may very well lead today’s elementary, middle and high school students to their future careers based in chemistry.”
“Partnering our teachers with local professionals like this allows our students to benefit from the expertise that comes with years of professional research and academic excellence,” Calvary Baptist Academy Principal Milton Thompson said. “Our students will get a chance to experience college-level science activities with real-world applications.”
Over the course of the year, Fultz and Barnett will work together to enhance content delivery and provide additional resources and field trip activities for the K-12 youth. To encourage the partnership, ACS is providing $500 to purchase new equipment, chemicals, supplies and additional resources available only through this program, as well as cover costs for educational field trips.