2013 American Chemical Society’s
Forty Fourth Annual Competitive Examination in High School Chemistry
and
Twenty Eighth Annual Local Examination for the Chemistry Olympiad

The Memphis Section of the American Chemical Society (ACS) is proud to announce the 2013 Chemistry Examinations. The Forty Fourth Annual Competitive Examination in High School Chemistry and the Twenty Eighth Annual Local Examination for the Chemistry Olympiad will be held on Saturday March 23, 2013 at Christian Brothers University. Registration will begin at 8:15 A.M. in the Main Lobby of Assisi Hall. The examinations will begin at 8:45 AM and last until 11:00 A.M. A complimentary lunch in the cafeteria will be provided, and there will be lab tours and demonstrations before lunch. Parking will be available on the Central Avenue lot, see campus map.

8:15 a.m. Registration, Main Lobby of Assisi Hall
8:30 a.m. Welcome, Assisi Hall 153
8:45-11:00 a.m. Exams
11:10-12:00 a.m. Demonstrations/Tour of CBU Chemistry
12:00 p.m. Complimentary Lunch in Cafeteria

Sponsors
Memphis Section of the American Chemical Society (ACS)
Christian Brothers University
Christian Brothers University Student Members of the American Chemical Society

Rules

NO
  • wireless devices (including cell phones, pagers, PDAs or calculators)
  • devices with ear plugs
  • no personal calculators

Non-Programmable Calculators will be provided for all participants

Competitive Examination in High School Chemistry for First Year Students

The test will be multiple choice and is intended for students in their first non-Advanced Placement (AP) course in Chemistry. The two-hour examination will be given to students selected by their teachers to enter the competition.

The number of chemistry students invited to represent your school is determined by the school’s total enrollment. Schools with enrollment of 1800 or more students, can send up to 8 students. Schools with enrollment between 1201 and 1800 students, can send up to 6 students. Schools with enrollment between 601 and 1200 students, can send up to 4 students. Schools with enrollment of 600 or less students, can send up to 3 students.

To be eligible for the chemistry competition, the teacher must: (a) return the entry form to Christian Brothers University by Wednesday March 21, 2013, making sure that the names are correct for all the chemistry teachers and the school principal; (b) send no more students than were allowed according to your school’s classification. Each student must bring two No. 2 pencils with good erasers.

Monetary awards will be given to the most outstanding students by the Memphis Section American Chemical Society. The top 10 students from each of the examinations will be invited to the annual awards luncheon.  Teachers who have prepared students to compete will be given an award to acknowledge their ability to motivate the students to take the test. All other students who attended the awards luncheon will receive Certificates.

Local Examination for the Chemistry Olympiad for AP Students

The U.S. team performed very well in recent International Chemistry Olympiads. Wouldn’t it be great to have a Memphis student on the 2013 U. S. team. This exam is given to select the top ten nominees for taking the National Exam and possible selection to the 2013 U.S. team.

All students who participate will be recognized and presented with a certificate. Monetary awards will be given to the most outstanding students. We feel this recognition will serve to stimulate interest and promote a positive attitude toward chemistry.

Teachers of AP chemistry must return the registration form by March 21 , 2013. No more than three students from any one school will be allowed to take the Local Exam on March 23, 2013 . All students taking these exams must be U.S. Citizens and will need a U.S. Passport if selected for the U.S. team. All students will be required to sign a document that outlines the Rules for the Olympiad Exams, pledging (1.) that they are US citizens, (2.) to return to CBU for the National Exam on April 13, 2013, (3.) if selected, to participate in the training camp at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado that lasts from June 4 to June 19, 2013; and (4.) if selected, to represent the US at the 45th International Chemistry Olympiad competition in Moscow, Russia.  The rules for the National Exam allow only two nominees per school. Those rules also allow only non-programmable calculators on the exams. Such calculators will be furnished.

Ten students will be scheduled to take the National Exam at CBU Saturday April 13, 2013. The total time for the National Exam will be about 5 hours and will consist of multiple parts including a laboratory practical that seeks to identify students’ ability to handle practical tasks, to solve problems, and to demonstrate laboratory techniques.

Questions should be directed to Dr. Dennis Merat at (901) 321-4201 or dmerat@cbu.edu,