Education Committee
The objective of SPE is the promotion of scientific and engineering knowledge relating to plastics. SPE Sections are responsible for conveying that knowledge on a local level. Over the past nine years, the Mid-Michigan Section of SPE has developed some exciting education outreach programs targeted to elementary through high school age children in the Mid-Michigan area. The objectives of these programs are to simulate an interest in science in technology, to create an interest in polymers, plastics and chemistry, and to project a positive image of plastics and the plastics industry. A summary of these programs and results over the past nine years follows:
- The PlastiVan Education Program. The PlastiVan is a national education outreach program conducted by the National Plastics Center and Museum (Leominster, MA) that is geared to students in grades 3-12. It travels throughout the U.S. and Canada teaching students, teachers and the general public about the chemistry, history, processing and environmental issues of plastics. During the past nine school years, Mid-Michigan SPE has sponsored PlastiVan demonstrations in the area for a total of 33 weeks and reached over 27,500 students. The cost of this program is $29,000 per year.
- Classroom Demonstrations. In cooperation with the Mid-Michigan Section of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), volunteers from the Section membership visited area middle school classrooms to do hands-on experiments relating to science, engineering and plastics with the students. Pairs of volunteers spend a day in the classroom with their assigned teachers. The Section provides presentation materials, such as videos and slides and any supplies or equipment, and contact information for area teachers interested in a demonstration. During the past nine school years, local SPE and AIChE volunteers conducted hands-on demonstrations in over 319 classrooms and reached over 7,000 students. This program costs approximately $500 per year.
- SPE International Essay Contest. This annual essay contest allows middle and high school students the opportunity to win up to $1,500 by submitting an essay on the topic of plastics. Cash awards were given for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, of $500, $250 and $100, respectively. Each of the winners was also presented with a framed certificate. The 1st place essay was entered in the International contest, where the wining essay receives an additional $1,000. Over the past nine years, the Section has received 329 entries for the essay contest. The local winner also won the International Essay Contest in 2001. This program costs approximately $1,000 per year.
- Science Fairs. Each of the past nine years Mid-Michigan SPE has sponsored a booth at Sci-Fest held at Delta College in November. The Midland Section of the American Chemical Society and the Mid-Michigan Technician Group sponsors this science exposition for children, parents and teachers in the area, drawing approximately 1,500 visitors of all ages. At the SPE booth, students had the opportunity to learn about plastics and polymers, their uses and utility, and take part in hands-on demonstrations. This program costs approximately $500 per year.
- Financial Support. These programs are having a positive impact on the local communities. These programs wound not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors: The Herbert H. & Grace A. Dow Foundation, The Dow Chemical Company, The Dow Corning Corporation, The Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, and the Charles J. Strosacker Foundation.
- Further, none of these education outreach programs would be possible without the hard work and contributions of local SPE members. Special thanks to all whom participated.
Contact the education committee chairperson below for more information or to discuss ways for you or your company to get involved in these programs.
Mr. Todd A. Hogan
Education Committee Chairperson
The Dow Chemical Company
433 Building
Midland, MI 48667
(989) 636-5303 FAX: (989) 638-9510
tahogan@dow.com
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