Price
Free
Classtimes
Course Type
Description
High school Science Ambassador students research common everyday products and their potential hazards, then choose a product they’d like to try making a safer version of using green chemistry principles. Students spend weeks in the lab to pilot different procedures and incorporate green chemistry principles to optimize their safer alternatives. Then, Science Ambassador students visit K-8 classrooms and inspire the younger children to become scientists while doing hands-on activities. They develop a lesson plan with a lab procedure and teaching slides to guide younger students on making a safer product.
All materials are provided for free, including lesson plans, presentation slides, handouts, and lab materials. Safety equipment is provided at all outreach events.
State Standards
HS-PS1-5.
Construct an explanation based on kinetic molecular theory for why varying conditions influence the rate of a chemical reaction or a dissolving process. Design and test ways to slow down or accelerate rates of processes (chemical reactions or dissolving) by altering various conditions.*
Additionally, the learning goal below is from the ACS (American Chemical Society) accreditation requirements for college/university undergraduate chemistry degree programs:
Students are given the opportunity to assess chemical products and processes and design greener alternatives when appropriate
Supports Available to Students
Tier 1 (Supports provided to ALL students)
- High expectations for all students
- Progress monitoring
- Varied and differentiated instruction and learning opportunities
Tier 2 (Supports provided to targeted SMALLER groups of students)
- ‘Academic skills small group instruction
- Student self assessment and feedback
- Progress monitoring
Tier 3 (Intensive supports provided to SMALL groups or INDIVIDUAL students)
- Highly individualized intervention and support based on students with the greatest needs
- Intensive progress monitoring
- “Wrap around,” or multidisciplinary team, support that often includes specialists
Skills-learned
- Research and Development using Green Chemistry Principles
- Develop outreach curriculum and teaching materials
- Learn outreach coordination skills and community networking
About Raks Derival
Ms. Derival (she/they) is a second-generation Cambodian woman, daughter of refugee immigrants, and mother of two Cambodian-Haitian sons. She graduated from Suffolk University with a degree in biochemistry and forensic science and worked in forensic toxicology and green chemistry labs before joining Innovation Academy Charter School. Ms. Derival teaches chemistry, green chemistry, forensic science, and science and social justice classes through anti-racist and culturally relevant lenses. She is also passionate about healing the world through kindness and science, creating positive energy in social justice movements, and empowering others to remember that they are always, and in all ways, more extraordinary than they think they are.