Chemistry Day Olympics in the 80's
Chemistry Olympics, hosted by the Chemistry Department of Texas A&M University-Kingsville, is an annual Springtime event dedicated to the high school chemistry teachers and students of Central and South Texas. The activities include several chemistry competitions for students, a banquet-style lunch for teachers, a program or round-table discussion for teachers, and an awards ceremony.
| The Department of Chemistry at Texas A&M University-Kingsville is proud to announce CHEMISTRY OLYMPICS to be held Thursday, April 22, 2004 To say back in 1973 that we would still be sponsoring this event most likely into the next millennium . . . well, we would have said, "no way!" We have invited numerous (well into the 1000's!) high school students over these 30 years, some are now second generation students! In hindsight, we are very proud of what we have accomplished through Chemistry Olympics, but it is you, the secondary school chemistry teachers that have made our story a success. |
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Chemistry Day Olympics in the 80's |
The Student Affiliate Chapter of the American Chemical Society presents demonstrations of various "interesting" chemical reactions (Chem Olympics Chem Dems) for the participating high schools. Additionally, they design their own Chem Olympics T-Shirt each year for sale. Members of the Student Affiliate Chapter also conduct campus and departmental tours for the high school students during their visit of our campus.
Teachers from across South Texas who have attended Chemistry Olympics say that it is a good incentive for students (both strong and weak) to learn and appreciate chemistry. Students enjoy the idea of competing "sports-style" with chemistry students of other high schools. Students prepare diligently at learning chemistry and honing their laboratory skills so that they will perform at their very best during the competition.
Among the competitions are the following:
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Titration Races |
Pairs of students titrate for speed and accuracy |
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Team Competition |
Teams consisting of three students compete college-bowl style |
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Written Competition |
Students work in pairs to solve chemistry problems |
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Qualitative Analysis |
Students work in pairs to identify unknown cations |
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Crystal Growing |
Students grow a large crystal and bring it to Chemistry Olympics |
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T-shirt Design |
On poster board students design a T-shirt with a chemistry-related theme |
There are three divisions in which high schools can compete. Trophies, plaques, and ribbons are given to student winners in each type of competition in each division. Last year, about 425 students from 31 high schools participated. Over 130 awards were given. Since we began this program 30 years ago, 100 different high schools and about 9000 students have participated. . For more information, you can search this web site or, for an "ear," please contact John S. Thompson, Director of Chemistry Olympics,, by phone, fax, or e-mail:
Phone: (361) 593-2925
Fax: (361) 593-3597
E-mail: kfjst00@tamuk.edu
The Chemistry Department phone is: (361) 593-2914