An Interactive Analytical Chemistry Summer Camp for Middle School Girls

Abstract

An interactive chemistry outreach program designed specifically for middle school girls is described. The goal of this program is to expose girls to analytical chemistry in a way that will spark their interest in how it is studied, its role in modern scientific research, and some of the educational and career opportunities that this field has to offer. This objective is accomplished by providing the girls with a unique opportunity to conduct college-level scientific experiments adapted from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill undergraduate chemistry laboratories. Groups of 3–4 girls are paired with female chemistry graduate students who serve in both an instructional and mentoring capacity. The laboratory experiments are designed to promote the development of personal confidence, critical thinking, and the ability to function as a contributing member of a team, while expanding their knowledge of analytical chemistry. It is our belief that a memorable experience that involves active participation in exciting and challenging experiments, coupled with the development of mentoring relationships with enthusiastic female graduate students, has the potential to positively impact the future educational and career decisions of the girls who participate in this program.