Arlington, VA - April 26, 2007
Michigan students are gearing up to compete in a state-level academic competition that quizzes their knowledge of chemistry concepts, important discoveries, and chemical safety awareness.
Twenty-four students will compete in the Michigan State You Be The Chemist (YBTC) Challenge competition on May 5. Created by the Chemical Educational Foundation (CEF), the question and answer competition aims to engage grade 5-8 students in a dynamic event that partners members of the chemical industry with the schools and organizations in the communities in which they operate.
The twenty-four participating students each placed in the top four of Regional YBTC Challenge competitions that took place earlier this year throughout the state. The Regional YBTC Challenge sites are:
- Arch Diocese of Detroit YBTC Challenge, sponsored by PVS-Nolwood Chemicals, Inc. of Detroit
- Macomb County YBTC Challenge, sponsored by PVS-Nolwood Chemicals, Inc. of Detroit
- Mason-Lake YBTC Challenge, sponsored by Dow Chemical Company of Midland
- Saginaw Valley YBTC Challenge, sponsored by Dow Chemical Company of Midland
- Oakland County YBTC Challenge, sponsored by PVS-Nolwood Chemicals, Inc. of Detroit
- Wayne County YBTC Challenge, sponsored by PVS-Nolwood Chemicals, Inc. of Detroit
“This is the third year of the YBTC Challenge and it’s exciting to have so many companies, organizations, and communities involved at the state-level,” stated John Rice, CEF Managing Director. “All of the organizers and participating students and communities should be applauded for their outstanding efforts,” he added.
The Michigan State YBTC Challenge will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the Dow Chemical EDC Building in Midland. Dow Chemical Company and PVS-Nolwood Chemicals, Inc. are organizing and sponsoring the event.
The top two winners will receive $1000 educational savings bonds and all students will receive assorted gifts for their participation. In addition, the first and second place winners of the Michigan State YBTC Challenge will advance to the National YBTC Challenge competition to be held June 15 at the Chemical Heritage Foundation (CHF) in Philadelphia, PA. There, they will compete against eleven students from around the country who have also participated in similar contests in their communities.
While in Philadelphia, all of the National YBTC Challenge participants will receive exciting prizes and the first, second, and third place winners will also receive educational savings bonds. In addition to the academics of the competition, participants and chaperones will be able to explore the city, enjoy local restaurants, and relax as they explore the wonders of science at CHF and the Franklin Institute!
For more information about the Michigan State YBTC Challenge and/or the National YBTC Challenge, visit the CEF Web site at www.chemed.org or contact the CEF staff at 703/527-6223.
Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Arlington, VA, the Chemical Educational Foundation is dedicated to fostering a greater understanding of the science of chemistry, the benefits of chemicals, and the importance of chemical safety awareness.
Contact:
Laurel Brent,
703-527-6223
lbrent@chemed.org
