November 10, 2008 - 7:58am
Students at Vancouver Island University want to motivate, inspire and educate their high school peers to be proactive about climate change.
Fourth year Fisheries and Aquaculture student Carol Bob is the driving force behind VIU’s new student Chemistry Club and it’s ancillary group, of Awareness of Climate Change through Education (ACE).
ACE has developed a 40-minute PowerPoint presentation for Grade 10 students about the science of climate change. The presentation includes information about greenhouse gases, global warming and what students can do to help reduce their carbon footprint. So far, ACE has spoken to 11 schools, and has more bookings later this month.
“The presentation are going over really well,” said Bob. ““The mandate of ACE’s public outreach initiative is to raise awareness about the science of climate change and the resulting environmental impacts. We want to promote a sense of urgency around climate change action and discuss solutions. Our goal is to motivate high school students to take actions in their own lives that will contribute to the sustainability of the planet and reduce our carbon footprint. Every person can make a difference.”
The presentations are also geared to increase awareness amongst high school students about emerging solutions being developed at the forefront of science and a number of relevant course options at VIU in the Biology, Chemistry, Geology and Physics departments.
Bob's motivation to launch the Chemistry Club and ACE came from Chemistry Professor Dr. Erik Krogh.
“Dr. Krogh is passionate about protecting the environment,” she said. “His enthusiasm around issues like climate change is contagious. You hear him speak and you just have to do something. He’s my inspiration.”
Already the Chemistry Club has 64 members, with nine active members in ACE. Bob is sure it will grow.
“The Chemistry Club will provide social activities, academic leadership and professional development opportunities to its members through Chemistry Student Initiatives (CSI),” she said. “Members will have the opportunity to enhance their academic interests by volunteering with local high schools, professional societies, environmental agencies and their peers. It’s going to be a great learning experience for everyone.”
Club members will benefit from developing communication skills, professional contacts, and networking with the general public and potential employers.
Bob expects the club to get involved in various events such as National Chemistry Week, World Water Day and World Rivers Day. “We’ll really be promoting chemistry, the environment and VIU,” she said.
Krogh, who is also co-director of the Applied Environmental Research laboratory at VIU, said it’s gratifying to see students take the initiative in launching worthwhile activities.
“It’s a terrific learning experience for students,” he said. “As a professor, it’s great to see students so motivated and inspired by their classroom learning.”
To become a member of ACE or the Chemistry Club, contact Carol Bob at carol.bob@viu.ca.
Teachers interested in booking a climate change presentation can also email Bob.
Tags: In the Community
