FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Treena Piznar
Phone: (334) 829-4258
Mobile, Alabama - July 31, 2000

It’s hands-on science for teachers from Glendale, Elizabeth Fonde and Calcedeaver Elementary Schools as they plan to spend the week of July 31, 2000 at the ATOFINA Chemicals Science Teacher Program. Teachers, Michelle Peterson, Juliet Lambert, Lynn Gullette, Cathy Wells, Maranda Marks and Cynthia Smith, are partnering with ATOFINA Chemicals’ scientists and engineers to learn innovative ways to teach basic science concepts.

HYPOTHESIS: Kids can find science fun and interesting.

PROCEDURE: Spend a week with the ATOFINA Chemicals scientists exploring exciting and entertaining ways to teach science concepts.

POSSIBLE OUTCOMES: A renewed interest in science; better grades

CONCLUSION: ATOFINA Chemicals’ Science Teacher Program helps to reinvigorate science curriculums.

"We at ATOFINA Chemicals believe that by sharing our time, resources and expertise, we can spark students’ curiosity, generate enthusiasm for the sciences and possibly even produce a future researcher," said Tom Voltz, manager of the Mobile plant.

During the week-long science camp, ATOFINA Chemicals scientists and local teachers will explore grade-specific, classroom-tested, professionally published hands-on science kits. Typical concepts to be investigated include:

 Animal Studies. Dwarf African frogs, fiddler crabs, and land snails are the center of attention for students working with this kit. Students will have the opportunity to explore the habitats, needs, adaptations, and behaviors of these animals as they begin to look for similarities and differences among the species. Scientific observations coupled with discussions about these and other species will give participants new insights into the environment and how it affects life.

Measurement. This kit helps awaken students to the importance of measurement. Through the use of balances, rulers, graduated cylinders students begin to explore how much, how many, how far, how long, and how high. Students will also gain experience with the metric system as they complete the kit modules.

Mixtures and Solutions. Students understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry will grow as they investigate some of the properties and transformations of matter. Through exciting and colorful experiments, students will explore solids, liquids, gases, mixtures, solutions, concentration, and reactions.

The experiment kits used in ATOFINA Chemicals’ Science Teacher Program meet National Science Education Standards and contain enough hands-on material for a class of 30 students, as well as eight weeks of science curriculum. ATOFINA Chemicals provides a $500 stipend for each of the participating teachers as well as a cash donation to the school for the replenishment of kits or the purchase of additional materials.

This year over 120 elementary and secondary school teachers across the country are participating in the ATOFINA Chemicals Science Teacher Program. The 100 teachers who participated in the 1999 Program shared their hands-on science kits with more than 5,000 students during the recent school year.

ATOFINA’s Science Teacher Program was recognized in 1999 by the Industrial Research Institute (IRI) for excellence in company-school partnerships that advance science and math learning.

Learn more about our Science Teacher Program.