David Cao is a typical high school junior in most ways. He’s involved in the Chess and Landscaping Clubs, loves music and songwriting, enjoys photography, and dreams of working at NASA. His class schedule includes Spanish, composition, history and theology. He is also taking PACE – a combined advanced placement (AP) physics and calculus class, and AP statistics. During his senior year, he plans to take more AP classes, including chemistry. These classes will set him on the path to success as an engineering student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. From there, NASA is within reach!

Your donation on Give to Lincoln day on May 16th will give David and 1,100 other Pius X students the modern chemistry lab that will inspire their careers and dreams.

“In chemistry, you get to learn about all of the cool reactions, like combustions and color changes. Chemistry tells you how and why they work,” David says with a smile adding, “Chemistry is fun!”

Thanks to donations during last year’s Give To Lincoln Day event and other grants and gifts, the first of our two aging chemistry classrooms was renovated last summer. The second classroom, room 202, still has the original experiment stations and cabinetry from 1956, the year the school opened its doors. Technology, including laptops, iPads, and electronic lab equipment, is also needed in both labs to create a learning environment which will support our future curriculum goals and allow students to develop important critical thinking and problem solving skills. At this time, $175,000 is needed to renovate the second chemistry lab (phase 2), and complete the needed technology upgrades for both classrooms (phase 3).

Classroom use of modern equipment and technology results in higher grade point averages and increases achievement. National and state science standards focus on implementing technology within the curriculum. Spectometers, ph and thermometer probes, computer interface devices, and laptops and iPads will allow students to quickly and accurately perform experiments and collect data and information. More time can then be spent on research and analysis – creating greater opportunity to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. Technology also allows for the expansion of the classroom beyond the four walls to include the amazing world around all of us.

Chemistry study requires more supplies, equipment, and other resources than the average classroom. Our current facility lacks needed storage space, and inhibits safe use of technology as electrical outlets are located near sinks. The new design will make better use of the existing space, creating additional floor space, storage, and a safer environment.

Safety is an important concern. The remodel of room 202 will address optimal and/or required guidelines from the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), including:

• Teacher demonstration desk with a sink, gas hook-ups and electrical outlets;
• An emergency chemical shower and eyewash station;
• Sufficient gas, electrical, and water outlets for student laboratory activities;
• ADA accessibility;
• The ability to incorporate modern technology into the classroom, including computer-simulated experimentation; and
• Laboratory/class design that enhances maneuverability and minimizes traffic among students.

Through your support, the renovation of room 202 will add an eyewash and emergency chemical shower and relocate and install a proper fume hood. The current fume hood is positioned behind the teacher’s desk, and does not meet safety standards.

The teacher demonstration table partially blocks the white board, restricting some students’ view during lectures. A modern station will be smaller, repositioned, and equipped with a sink, allowing for a greater number of demonstrations. Group experimentation will be greatly improved by reducing the number of students at a work station from 6 to 4 students per experiment. This will increase participation and hands-on learning opportunities for students.

Careers in science and technology are expected to be in high demand in the future. Chemistry helps David and all Pius X students develop the skills needed to be successful, especially critical thinking and problem solving - two necessary life skills. Your support will create a chemistry lab which will inspire and prepare all Pius X students for the future!