Prev. Article Next Article Table of Contents

Commentary

Education: Central to the Central Science

William F. Carroll Jr.

Occidental Chemical Corporation, Dallas, TX 75244-6100

J. Chem. Educ., 2003, 80 (9), p 984

DOI: 10.1021/ed080p984

Publication Date (Web): September 1, 2003

Abstract

For our Children Sixty percent of high school students take chemistry; few will take it from a chemist. We can ease the shortage if we equip capable chemists with the pedagogical tools they need to enter education, and improve the chemical knowledge of non-chemist teachers through enrichment courses.

For our Colleagues and Future Colleagues The ACS President should be the most influential advocate for research and education funding at both state and federal levels, especially in times of financial crisis in state government. As President I will extend our advocacy to the states. I teach Polymer Chemistry at Indiana University, and draw on diverse industry experience to describe what chemists can do and how nontraditional activities—like government relations—integrate with science. As President I will encourage industry to make scientists with special skills available to universities.

For the Public The President should be the most visible face and credible voice for chemists and chemistry. Each trip to a local section should include outreach to the public as well. As President, I will take the challenge to be publicly visible and credible.