Rhodia Researchers Launch Experiments in Classrooms During National Chemistry Week
BRISTOL, Pa.--Nearly seven hundred curious middle school students will conduct hands-on chemistry experiments during the 20th annual National Chemistry Week, October 21-27, in Burlington and Bristol area schools, under the guidance of professional researchers from Rhodia Inc.
Rhodia’s Chemistry Connection®, an award-winning science education program, will be presented at Bristol Township’s Lafayette Elementary School and Burlington Township’s Fountain Woods School and St. Paul School thanks to Rhodia, a global specialty chemicals company. Rhodia relocated about 100 research scientists technicians, and support staff to its new North American Research and Technology Center in Bristol in 2005.
The desk-top experiments will be led by several Rhodia scientists using everyday household products. Program coordinator Dawn Baliko will help students make putty, work with different polymers and create chemical reactions demonstrating the principles of chemistry found in common ingredients from supermarkets, homes and classrooms.
Rhodia hopes the kids will also take with them a newfound interest and excitement for chemistry. “Many students—and even grownups—don’t think twice about the extraordinary science behind essential everyday items like shampoo, dish detergent, automotive components, electronics, and basically everything in our homes and all around us” explains Dr. John Cherkauskas, vice president of Rhodia’s Center for Research and Technology in Bristol.
“Our world’s growing reliance on the sciences highlights the importance of science education. Showing students how chemistry improves our lives is one step toward developing the next generation of scientists.”
Cherkauskas stresses, “Our quality of life depends on these inquisitive and imaginative minds and we want to do all we can to spark and encourage their scientific curiosity.” Baliko, who has been involved with program since its beginning, adds, “We have a special way of making science fun for kids. You can just see their eyes light up during the experiments.”
Rhodia sponsors educational initiatives in communities around the world. More than 250,000 students nationwide have participated in Rhodia’s Chemistry Connection® since the program was launched in 1989. Now the scientists and technicians at Rhodia’s Center for Research and Technology in Bristol are excited to bring their innovative educational program to the area.
Rhodia periodically opens its laboratories for tours by neighbors and local community leaders. Rhodia also participates in the Bristol site’s community advisory council which includes several high school student representatives.
Members of the media are invited to attend the classroom demonstrations. Rhodia will be at the Fountain Woods School located on Fountain Ave-Jacksonville Rd, Burlington, NJ, on October 24th from 9am-2pm and on October 26th from 9am -10am. On October 25th, they will be at St. Paul School located on 250 James St., Burlington, NJ from 9-11am and at Lafayette Elementary School in 4201 Fayette Drive, Bristol, PA at 2-3pm.
Rhodia is a global specialty chemicals company recognized for its strong technology positions in Performance Materials, Functional Chemicals and the Organics and Services clusters. Partnering with major players in the automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, consumer care, tires, refining, and paints and coatings markets, Rhodia offers tailor-made solutions combining original molecules and technologies to respond to customers’ needs. Rhodia subscribes to the principles of Sustainable Development communicating its commitments and performance openly with stakeholders. Rhodia generated sales of 4.8 billion euros in 2006 and employs about 16,000 people worldwide. Rhodia shares are listed on Euronext Paris.