The SOT K–12 Subcommittee has a long history of supporting outreach activities to engage students, parents, and teachers in basic toxicology and increase interest in toxicology careers through activities such as science museum experiences, workshops, and poster presentations. These programs assist in increasing the recognition of the importance of toxicology and public understanding of how health and safety is increased because of toxicology, major goals of the Society.
The place to be this year in San Antonio is the workshop “K–12 Toxicology Outreach Activities: Regional Chapter Successes and Resources” Wednesday, March 13, from 9:00 am–11:45 am. Each Regional Chapter appoints a contact for K–12 outreach. These representatives in conjunction with the K–12 Subcommittee have been collaborating, and this workshop, chaired by Courtney Sulentic,is a major outcome. Presentations will include hands-on demonstrations as well as details about the web-based outreach resource collection developed by the K–12 Subcommittee. Be sure to stop by and hear about:
- TOTALLY TOXIC! A K–12 Outreach Program Based on the 5E Model of Science Education (Ohio Valley)
- Inspector Tox Outreach Activity (MASOT)
- Silly Science and Other Activities for K–12 Outreach (Southeastern RC)
- Exploring Toxicology: Designing Learning Goals and Evaluation Strategies for Outreach Activities (Midwest RC)
- Resources for Toxicology K–12 Education Outreach: Updating the SOT K–12 Website (K–12 Subcommittee)
When you are in ToxExpo on Tuesday, March 12, and Wednesday, March 13, visit the High School Poster Exposition near the SOT Pavilion. The Education Committee K–12 Subcommittee has organized this special poster display to give high school students the opportunity to present their research. Topics are as diverse as cancer risk from mouthwash, effect of electromagnetic radiation on algae, and use of nanoparticles to treat metal contamination. With support from the Eastman Charitable Foundation, students will travel from across the large state of Texas and beyond to be immersed in a large scientific meeting, meet with mentors, and have the opportunity to learn about the diversity of careers opportunities in toxicology.