An industry-sponsored program for gifted high ... - ACS Publications

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AN INDUSTRY-SPONSORED PROGRAM FOR GIFTED HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS THE nature of the times in which we live demands special provision for the education of the gifted in science. Factors inherent in mass public education frequently work counter t o the interests and aspirations of the industrious, the ambitious, and the talented. The resources of professional societies and of local seienee-based industries can be used to advantage in meeting the needs of those with a bent for science. The program of the Secondary Education Committee of the Western New York Section, American Chemicsl Society, is noteworthy in this respect. A group of 34 selected seniors representing 26 different high schools in the Niagara Frontier area meet8 regularly a t the facilities of a host industry. Two studenta represent the larger schools. Each student has heen recommended by his principal and science toacher as being the outstanding senior in terms of scientific potential and interest. Each intends to pursue a onreor in science or engineering. The usual program of the weekly meetings consists of a. dinner s t s. plant, a guided tour of the plant operations or of the research laboratory, and a. technics1 lecture based on the company's tochnalogy. The address may be given by a. director of renearoh, a manager of technical tlervices, or a vice-president. Topics have included such frontier areas of science as "Hydrazine: The Evolution of a New Chemical," "Ore Beneficiation," and "Taking the Measure of Flight." The discussion period usually reveals through searching questions on the part of these boys and girls (four of the latter) a deep knowledge and wide range of interest, whether the disoussion involves such specialized topics as computers, transistors, or polyesters. They are the type of students who profit greatly from contact with each other, the type who four years hence will he wined, dined, and wooed by personnel administrators and directors of research in the hope of attracting them to employment. More important, these young people are typioal of the hope for the futurc. The provision of special experiences for the gifted studentsin science by the industrial community of the Niagara Frontier is intended to help fit them better for their future responsibilities. ROLLAND 1. GLADIEUX Metals Re3cnroh Laboratories. Electro Metallurpical company Nisesra Falls. New York

JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION