The Chemical Educational Foundation, Capitol Hill, & You (cont.)

1. CEF, CAPITOL HILL, & YOU: It’s important to let those on Capitol Hill know that the chemical industry is doing its part to impact science education in our country. As a participant in NACD’s Washington Fly-In you can advocate for science education on your Capitol Hill visit(s). Here’s how: • During your Senate and/or House of Representative visit, use the talking points on this sheet and attached background • information to introduce CEF, our goals, and the effect that CEF’s chemical industry supported programs are having • nationwide. • Leave behind the enclosed You Be The Chemist Challenge brochure with the Senator, Representative , or their respective • staff member as an example of a chemical industry supported educational program. • Message: The Chemical Industry is Working to Improve Science Education • Point 1: Chemical industry members are strongly interested in the Administration’s plan for science education, • as it directly impacts industry, community, and the United States’ (US) standing as a leader in international • innovation. • Point 2: As an industry, chemical companies are stepping up to the plate by volunteering their time and money • to implement science education programs nationwide. CEF programs are a main avenue by which this is being • done.

2. The Chemical Educational Foundation,Capitol Hill, & You (cont.) • Message: CEF’s You Be the Chemist Programs Are One Way In Which the Chemical Industry is Getting Involved • Point 1: CEF’s You Be The Chemist (YBTC) programs are a collective set of educational programs for grade K-8 • educators and students. The programs are funded and implemented nationwide by chemical industry volunteers. • Point 2: The programs include: • YBTC Activity Guides: Lesson Plans for Making Chemistry Fun (hands-on lesson plans for educators – • one for grades K-4, another for grades 5-8) • YBTC Challenge (a nationwide academic competition for grades 5-8) • YBTC Professional Development (workshops that instruct educators on how to better teach science) • Message: Programs Like You Be the Chemist Are Vital to the Future of Science Education • Point 1: Science skills are lacking in our country, and bridging the gap between where we are and where we • need to be is critical. • Point 2: CEF and chemical industry partnerships are vital to communities nationwide. They: • Cultivate the talent necessaryto ensure the future of the industry – The YBTC programs encourage • students to study science, showing that it can be fun, and that chemistry is the building block of all science. • Change developing perceptions – The YBTC programs introduce students to science, specifically chemistry, • at a younger age, thereby helping show them the benefits of chemicals and the importance of what the industry • does.

3. The Chemical Educational Foundation: The Basics CEF Overview Guided by the belief that science education is vital to the future of the chemical industry – and to the overall vitality of the world in which we live – CEF is dedicated to raising awareness among every generation, beginning with our youth, about the science of chemistry, the benefits of chemicals, and the importance of chemical safety awareness. The Foundation works with various groups – chemical distributors and manufacturers, educators, local governments, and consumers to implement our mission nationwide. Inception The National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) created CEF in 1989 to serve as the educational outreach segment of the chemical distribution industry. CEF is now its own organization but still maintains close ties to NACD staff and members. Geographic Reach From using YBTC materials in inner city Chicago science clubs, to conducting experiments with rural Louisiana middle school students, to introducing Pennsylvania Cub Scouts to important chemistry concepts – our programs are helping industry members and educators nationwide encourage students’ natural curiosity and address the “why” questions they so often ask. Volunteers CEF program implementation and success relies heavily on the time and effort of volunteers from across the country. CEF's volunteers include chemical industry members, middle-school educators, college professors and students, chemists, parents, and community leaders. CEF programs offer a wide variety of volunteer opportunities. Contact Us Chemical Educational Foundation 1555 Wilson Blvd., Suite 700 Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 703/527-6223 E-mail: comments@chemed.org Website: www.chemed.org