For the past 10 years, DFW chemistry organizations have come together to serve the local community through a collaborative effort at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History (FWMSH). Thanks to volunteers from universities and high schools in the area, these organizations have served more than 27,000 museum guests. Due to social distancing regulations, National Chemistry Week looked a little different this year, but was a success nonetheless. This year's theme was "Sticking with Chemistry."
National Chemistry Week was held October 19-24, though there were also activities occuring beyond this time frame. All the student groups that participated provided a video and/or live feeds (through Zoom, Facebook live, or YouTube) of various experiments. The videos and events were advertised and accessible using the National Chemistry Week Dallas-Fort Worth Facebook page.
"The virtual approach was effective, as the events were shared with the broader community," said Kayla Green, associate professor of chemistry and TCU Chemistry Club faculty sponsor. There were 21 original videos posted, as well as three live events hosted via Facebook. TCU shipped 12 kits to schools across the U.S. and Canada, allowing 350 students to participate in hands-on activities. Olivia Panchal, student at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC), served as the communications chair and set up the Facebook page, providing technical help and leadership. The team met throughout the fall and determined the best strategies for the modified approach, thus the organization sponsors and leadership teams were instrumental in bringing these events together.
