Proposed Training

Outreach Ambassadors participating in the Magic of Molecules Show or the High School Outreach Experiment will receive training in delivering demonstrations or supporting high school students through experiments or during core facilities tours, the week of the outreach activity. Chemistry and Chemical Biology Faculty, Staff or Graduate Students will be present as the activities are running.

Students will gain public speaking experience to large groups of students and families, deliver hands-on chemistry lab experiences, led groups to activities at Faculty of Science Core Facilities, shadow experienced faculty and graduate student outreach educators, and share their own experiences as a Student in the Chemical Sciences at McMaster University.

Outreach events are ongoing throughout the year and may include the following:

• Magic of Molecules – In-Person Show (January/February TBA)
• Chemistry, Chemical Biology and Sustainable Chemistry Info Night – Mid March
• BASEF Science and Engineering Fair – Thursday March 12
• High School Outreach Experiments – April 20 – 24 Morning and Afternoons

Students will obtain 20 hours over the academic calendar year.

Location of Training

AN Bourns Science Building Room 156 (General Chemistry Laboratories)

Learning Outcomes/Science Career Competences

• Communicate complex scientific concepts in an accessible and engaging manner.
• Demonstrate leadership and teamwork in executing outreach events
• Reflect and communicate their experience as a Chemistry and Science student in university.
• The Science Career Competencies that students will strengthen through this program include: Collaboration, Teamwork & Interpersonal Relationships, Communication, Adaptability & Flexibility, Building Brighter Lives and Discovery.

How Successful Learning Outcomes Be Determined

• Chemical Science Outreach Ambassadors are expected to attend outreach activities that have been mutually agreed upon, be approachable, visible and engaged with outreach participants, and prepared to fulfill their role effectively.
• Outreach Ambassadors will log their reflections in a Outreach Ambassador Journal on the same day as each outreach event based on a reflective prompt.

Required Components for Passing Grade

• Outreach Ambassadors are expected to attend their previously-selected shifts, support students and groups as they participate in the activity. Ambassadors needing to miss an assigned activity must do so as far in advance as possible, but no less than 24 hrs.
• Ambassadors will email Professor Ghoshdastidar their personal reflections following each event.

Registration in a Level 2 Chemistry, Chemical Biology or Sustainable Chemistry Program and above.

Required Health and Safety Training on Mosaic which includes WHMIS 2015, Violence and Harassment Prevent AND FIre Safety, Ergonomics OR SAFE training. Students should enroll in these courses and complete the tests on Avenue.

Students should reach out to Professor Ghoshdastidar if they are unable to attend an Outreach events for personal or academic reasons, at least 24 hours in advance of the activity, or if need additional time for their Outreach Journal Reflection.

To apply for this course, please fill out the following SCIENCE 1SB1 application online.

Due to the large number of applications, only successful applicants will be contacted and given permission to enrol in the course. If you do not hear back by the end of the drop/add period, you have not been chosen.