GVSU hosts international chemistry conference

More than 1,300 chemistry educators are expected to attend the Biennial Conference on Chemical Education at Grand Valley State University, August 3-7. BCCE is the largest gathering of chemical educators in the world and is sponsored by the Division of Chemical Education of the American Chemical Society.

The conference theme of “Greener on the Grand” reflects Grand Valley’s commitment to sustainability.

The conference brings together college and high school chemistry faculty for five days of plenary sessions, workshops and symposia at the Allendale Campus. Educators from 45 U.S. states and 16 countries will find a rich environment for discussion, networking and professional growth.

Among the 102 workshops and 77 symposia are topics such as: green chemistry across the curriculum, cutting-edge research in chemical education, Advanced Placement chemistry, best practices for teaching with Web-based and interactive technologies, using social networks, flipping the classroom, and the Next Generation Science Standards. The conference also includes a 5K fun run, golf outing, picnic, tours and an exposition center with 50-60 booths.

Plenary speakers include:
• John C. Warner, one of the founders of the field of Green Chemistry, president of Warner Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry
• Lennie Scott-Webber, director of Education Environments for Steelcase Education Solutions
• Charlie Bamforth, Anheuser-Busch Endowed Professor of Malting & Brewing Sciences and Distinguished Professor at the University of California, Davis.
• Holly Walter Kerby, founder of Fusion Science Theater, a National Science Foundation-funded organization that creates outreach shows promoting learning and assessment of key science concepts.

For a full conference schedule visit www.bcce2014.org. For more information call (616) 331-3625 or email bcce2014@gvsu.edu.