CEBC focuses on making environmentally beneficial catalysts:
But, what are catalysts? What are they used for? Watch this video called "Explaining Catalysts" for simplified answers to these questions (3 min 8 sec):
CEBC researchers are searching for novel ways to convert biomass into fuels and chemicals, without harming nature. The following video, called "Biomass? Maybe..." defines the term 'biomass' and how it might be used to make 'greener' fuels (aka biofuels). Watch the video to see how biofuels are different from fossil fuels (3 min 28 sec):
CEBC organizes and monitors several educational partnerships with K-12 schools and outreach projects. These activities include:
Research Experiences for Teachers (RET)- summer research programs for high school science teachers at CEBC: 2006 2008 - Application deadline for Summer 2008 is January 4, 2008!
Fueling Scientific Inquiry in High Schools Teachers at CEBC's 2006 summer research program developed a comprehensive, curriculum resource for high school science classes called "What's Green about Biodiesel?" Click here for more information.
Food-to-Fuel: KU Biodiesel Initiative
Biodiesel is a renewable and biodegradable fuel. A lab at KU is converting used canola oil from a campus restaurant into biofuel for campus buses. KU students and volunteers are involved in this endeavor under the guidance of Associate Professor Susan Williams. Click here to learn more and watch videos showing how they do it.
"Change is Cool" - This video describes how carbon dioxide changes from a gas to a liquid at high pressure. CEBC researchers are investigating how liquid carbon dioxide can be used as an environmentally friendly solvent for certain catalytic reactions (3 min 41 sec).
Chemistry-centered community outreach events:
The chemistry and engineering programs of all three
universities sponsor science outreach events for students from
surrounding communities. The three-time National award winning
KU Carnival of Chemistry implements hands-on science experiences
for 500 elementary students and parents each fall.
With
Alpha Chi Sigma, UI co-sponsors an annual Girl Scouts and Boy
Scouts Chemistry Merit Badge Day, providing sessions on such topics
as environmental and medical chemistry, followed by a chemistry
magic show.
Washington University’s Society of Women Engineers
sponsors an annual Women in Science Day for female students with
science aptitudes.
Engineering-centered community outreach
events: Engineering Expo - The annual KU Engineering
Expo reaches 400 elementary and secondary students with hands-on
experiences, technology competitions and demonstrations.
February 22, 2008: Touchable Bubble Contest at Engineering Expo:
The theme for the 2008 Engineering Expo, "Planet Engineering," was perfect for highlighting CEBC efforts at developing fuels and chemicals from renewable plant-derived resources. To educate the more than 500 middle and high school students about sustainability issues, CEBC awarded biodegradable Jayhawk ornaments to those students who could bounce giant carbon dioxide-filled bubbles in their hands. This engaging 'touchable bubble' contest was a fun way to share CEBC research and green chemistry principles with the public.
Telementoring of K-12 students and classes using online
science curricula: Pathfinder Science Network
Professor Lane’s research group is developing middle/secondary
science curriculum focusing on atmospheric environmental science.
CEBC students will coordinate gas and particulates sampling at
schools, assist in analyzing the samples and post the results
on the Internet for student analysis. These curricula are distributed
through the Pathfinder
Science Network. Pathfinder Science personnel will coordinate
telementoring activities by interested CEBC students, who will
act as advisors on experimental protocol in chat rooms and discussion
strings for K-12 students using research-based science curricula.
Participation in telementoring activities typically requires three
to five hours per week.
