Blasting Off to a Bright Future: Integrating Research, Teaching, and Community Service at the Undergraduate Level in an Effort to Increase the Number of African-Americans in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Disciplines

TCE

The Chemical Educator

ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)

Table of Contents

Abstract Volume 13 Issue 6 (2008) pp 376-380

Blasting Off to a Bright Future: Integrating Research, Teaching, and Community Service at the Undergraduate Level in an Effort to Increase the Number of African-Americans in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Disciplines

Albert E. Russell^† and Pamela M. Leggett-Robinson ^*,†,‡

^†Department of Chemistry, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088, aerussel301@bellsouth.net and ^‡Science Department, Georgia Perimeter College, Dunwoody, GA 30338, Pamela.Leggett-Robinson@gpc.edu
Received August 1, 2007. Accepted July 17, 2008.

Published online: 1 December 2008

Abstract. The Research in Organic Chemistry Kindling Excellence in Tuskegee Scientists (ROCKETS) is an intensive introduction into organic chemistry for twelve students selected from various science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. The eight week summer curriculum involves an organic lecture course, an advanced organic laboratory course, a course which introduces them to the methods and ethical concerns of conducting research, and a community service component whereby ROCKETS students actively promote scientific understanding to K-8 students through interactive chemistry experiments. ROCKETS demonstrates faculty can create an engaging experience for women and underrepresented minorities (STEM) in organic chemistry using the diversified approach of integrating teaching, research, and community service.

Key Words: Of Special Interest; STEM

(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: Pamela.Leggett-Robinson@gpc.edu)

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