During the two-day virtual workshop, Arkema scientists led 20 teachers through hands-on lessons using a science classroom kit that explores science and technology topics. All kits used in the program meet national science education standards and provide teachers with eight weeks of science curriculum. Participating teachers also receive a donation to purchase additional science experiment supplies for their classrooms as well as the mentoring guidance of Arkema scientists throughout the school year.
“STEM education not only teaches young students critical thinking, but is paramount in training our future generations of scientists,” said Ryan Dirkx, vice president of research and development at Arkema Inc. “Arkema is committed to giving back to the communities in which we operate and the Science Teachers Program is one of our key programs in the United States. We’re proud to collaborate with local educators to help spark an interest in science among students.”
Participating Arkema sites and local schools included: McDavid-Jones Elementary near the Axis (Mobile), Ala., plant; Cloverleaf Elementary near the Houston, Texas, plant; John Moffet Elementary, Richard R. Wright Elementary, Thurgood Marshall School, A.D. Harrington Elementary and James Logan Elementary near the King of Prussia, Pa., site; Romana Elementary near the Torrance, Calif., plant; and Rosa International Middle near the West Chester, Pa., plant.
Since 1996, the award-winning Arkema Inc. Science Teachers Program has benefitted hundreds of teachers and thousands of students across the United States. Funded by the Arkema Inc. Foundation, the program is run in communities in which Arkema has manufacturing operations. The Foundation also supports the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) and The Franklin Institute’s STEM Scholars program for high school students, among many other worthy organizations focused on advancing science education.
In addition to the Science Teachers Program, many Arkema sites champion local science education by offering internship opportunities, funding scholarships, hosting student plant visits, or sending scientists and engineers to speak at schools. These efforts are examples of Arkema’s Common Ground™ initiatives, which focus on building relationships based on mutual knowledge and trust within the communities in which we operate.
To learn more about the Science Teachers Program, visit our Science Teachers Program site.