Chemistry

Students are introduced to a range of disciplines in the field of chemistry through lecture and extensive hands-on laboratory experiences. Chosen topics will illustrate the depth and extent to which chemistry affects their lives. Activities include synthesis, characterization and instrumental analysis of aspirin, acetaminophen and wintergreen; introduction to the fundamentals of spectroscopy and chromatography; and more light-hearted activities such as a titration competition to determine the concentration of iron in vitamins and the preparation of hand lotion, tinting and scenting included.

Materials
Three ring binder with protocols, legal pad, pen and pencil. Safety glasses, towel, laboratory glassware and instrumentation.

Course Goals

to generate an enthusiasm for chemistry
to illustrate to students the depth and extent in which chemistry affects their lives.
to give students a chance to participate in laboratory procedures of different types
to give students a hands on experience with major instrumentation not available in a high school experience
to introduce students to different chemistry disciplines
to present information regarding the range of careers available with a chemistry degree

Course Outline

This course is designed to introduce the gifted student to a range of disciplines in the field of chemistry through lecture and extensive hands on laboratory experiences. Each laboratory procedure will be prefaced by introduction and explanation after which students are supervised and assisted as needed as they individually complete the laboratory exercises. Details and specific topics for each day can be seen in the Daily Schedule.

Course Expectations

Each student MUST attend all instructional sessions and participate fully in those sessions. Any illness or injury MUST be reported to the camp counselor or instructor immediately
Each student is expected to participate in a group presentation of a portion of the week’s activities

Grading

This course is graded S/U. Grade is given based on attendance and participation.

Course Assessment

Students will be given a chance to anonymously express their satisfaction, dissatisfaction with the course. Students will be asked directly if the course goals were met with overwhelming, satisfactory or little success.

Faculty

Dr. Kimberly M. Broekemeier is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Ohio Northern University. She obtained a B.A. in chemistry from St. Olaf College in Minnesota and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Minnesota. Prior to joining the academic staff at Ohio Northern in 1998, she was conducted basic research as a research scientist at the University of Minnesota and the Ohio State University. Her areas of expertise include lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function. The results of this research have significant implications in situations of cell damage such as heart attacks and strokes. She has been the recipient of grants from the American Heart Association awarded to support her work in those areas. Since arriving at Ohio Northern, she has been involved in the introductory chemistry sequence and the biochemistry sequence and developed the chemistry class and lab for the nursing program. She is the Coordinator of Counselors for Summer Honors Institute and the coordinator of the Chemistry course.

Dr. Chris Bowers was an instructor for the past three institutes. He holds a B. A. in chemistry from Kenyon College and a PhD in analytical chemistry from The Ohio State University. He was employed by DuPont for thirteen years and worked in research and development in areas including specialty chemicals, white pigments and new product and process development. While at DuPont he was an adjunct professor at Salem (New Jersey) Community College teaching courses in introductory chemistry and quantitative analysis. He served as mentor for several high school students in the School to Work program where high school students work as interns two afternoons a week during the school year and then full time during the summer. Chris also participated in Partners in Science by providing opportunities for area high school students to perform experiments at Salem Community College. He is currently an assistant professor of chemistry at ONU teaching introductory and analytical chemistry. He has participated in the SHI for the past several years.

Dr. Tevye C. Celius was an instructor in last years institute. He holds a B.S. in chemistry from The University of Puget Sound. He received an M.S. and a PhD. in physical organic chemistry from Cornell University. While in graduate school, he was on a Department of Education fellowship which gave him the opportunity to develop and implement outreach activities for use in the regional grade schools. He spent two years as a postdoctoral fellow at The Johns Hopkins University. Tevye was a member of the chemistry faculty at Bucknell University as a visiting assistant professor for two year where he taught general and organic chemistry. While at Bucknell he was active with career days and several outreach activities in the local grade schools. He is currently an assistant professor of chemistry at Ohio Northern University where he teaches organic and physical chemistry. He has also been an instructor of the Chemistry course for the SHI for the past several years.

What to bring

There are always questions about what to bring to an overnight or week long activity. Here are some suggestions. You will be working in the laboratory. Stable closed toe shoes are required for the laboratory work. You should wear comfortable clothing for these activities. You may want to wear long sleeved shirts. Disposable gloves will be provided. Long hair should be tied back. You will want to bring a small amount of spending money since the university bookstore is usually open. You can bring along some of your favorite snacks although there are vending machines located on campus. A local grocery store and a Rite Aid are available for unplanned essentials. Bring a cell phone or calling card to make long-distance calls, since Ada sometimes has poor reception for cell phones for such carriers as AT&T and Nextel. If you have a camera you may want to bring it. There are picture perfect events all week long. The dorms are lockable and secure so you should be able to bring normal things such as clock radios, small CD players, or alarm clocks. If medication needs to be dispensed, the SHI director will make appropriate arrangements.

List of essentials aside from normal everyday apparel.

Alarm clock
Soap, comb/brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, etc.
Insect repellent – DEET-based works best, Off Brand, pump instead of aerosol
Ball Cap
Extra socks
A pair of long jeans or slacks
Shorts, shirts or blouses
One nice outfit (khaki slacks/polo shirt) for presentation
Sweatshirt/jacket (classrooms are air conditioned and can be cool)
T-shirts
Rain gear
Comfortable shoes, closed toed shoes, shoes to be worn in the gym
Swimwear, Beach towel
Camera
Sunscreen
Sandals
Flashlight with new batteries
If you anticipate washing clothes, bring along a small container of clothes detergent and quarters for the washing machines
Single extra long bedsheets, pillow, and blanket

What you do NOT have to bring?
Towels are provided. There will be snacks and bottled water provided during the day and evening. Do not bring candles or incense, TV, dart board, draperies, drum set, electric guitars, electric blankets, fireworks, fish net wall hangings, flags, firearms, halogen lamps, hot plates, microwave ovens, pets such as snakes, spiders, lizards, cats, dogs, birds and fish, sunlamps, heat lamps and space heaters, toaster ovens, valuables, water beds, and weights.