Community Outreach

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry endeavors to advance education and professional development in the chemical sciences through community outreach efforts and strategic partnerships. Here are some examples of current initiatives.

K-12 Education

CHEMATHON

The Chemathon is an annual chemistry competition for high school chemistry students in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the District of Columbia. The Chemathon competition is organized by a committee of area high school chemistry teachers and chemists, and is hosted by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Maryland at College Park. There are no entry or registration fees.

R.E.A.C.T.S (Reaching Educators for the Advancement of Chemistry Teaching Statewide)

REACTS is a network of chemical educators dedicated to improving the teaching of chemistry in grades K-12. Through online services and regular professional development conferences, we explore new and proven approaches to the teaching of chemistry, share creative tips and anecdotes, and introduce new experiments and software with our colleagues. Being a member of REACTS affords teachers the opportunity to access a vast database of lessons and experiments for use "as is" inside the classroom. Teachers can also alter these demos as necessary to match the unique needs and resources of each classroom.

2012 International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO)

The University of Maryland is proud to have been selected as the venue for the 44th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) in July 2012. The United States and the American Chemical Society (ACS), along with the UM Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, will host this annual chemistry competition for secondary school students from across the world. The campus will provide laboratory space and lodging for nearly 300 high-school-age competitors and their mentors.

Professional Development

National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE)

The University of Maryland Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry established a strategic partnership with the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) on March 20, 2008. The department wants to encourage more African American students to pursue graduate study at UM, and to nurture the success of outstanding black scientists. To further this goal, the department contributed $15,000 to NOBCChE at the organization's 35th annual conference in Philadelphia and has been a nationwide leader in recruiting and supporting black faculty and students. Visit the University of Maryland NOBCChE chapter's website.

Community Education

Maryland Day

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry showcases the many exciting applications of chemistry at the University of Maryland's annual "open house" each spring.

Highlights include:

• A Chemathon competition highlighting past and future developments in chemistry
• Chemistry Fun for Kids of All Ages
• Chemistry Magic

Visit the Maryland Day website