Chemistry teachers Dan McCauliff (from Tri-Valley High School)
and Charles DiVico from (Ossning High School) participate in lab
rotations during the Green Chemistry Workshop on Oct. 7.
District is one of four in the state chosen to participate in
DEC pilot program
On Friday, October 7, Liberty High School hosted a unique
workshop to educate Hudson Valley science teachers about how to
introduce ‘Green Chemistry’ to students and begin using green
chemistry in their schools.
Liberty is one of four schools in New York State to
participate in a pilot program initiated by the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation through a grant awarded
by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 2, New
York City.
Green chemistry uses more environmentally “friendly” reagents
and solvents to reduce hazardous waste disposal that might find
its way into the environment and also seeks to reduce hazardous
exposures to students and staff. Green chemistry has recently
gained momentum as a common practice on college campuses
throughout the United States, and is quickly becoming the standard
in both education and private companies.
“Green chemistry is the new frontier in science,” said
Deborah Knight, Environmental Program Specialist with the NYS DEC.
“It is critical for schools to begin teaching green chemistry to
students at the high school level as the first step towards
transforming how the next generation of chemists do business.”
The Green Chemistry Program was developed by a team from the
New York State DEC made up of Aida Potter, P.E., Chief of
Education and Outreach, Lynn Tarnowski, Chemical Hygiene Officer,
Research Scientist Carlos Montes and Ms. Knight. The day-long
workshop, an instrumental part of the program, taught science
educators the 12 principles of green chemistry, gave them lesson
plans to introduce green chemistry to students and allowed them to
try “hands-on” laboratory activities.
"By teaching green chemistry, today’s teachers are poised to
deliver new ideas in science and technology that will enhance
sustainable practices,” says Ms. Knight.
The workshop, presented by
Beyond Benign, hosted 25 teachers from 19 school districts,
one university and 11 counties. Science teachers from four
Sullivan County schools, Liberty, Tri-Valley, Sullivan West and
Livingston Manor were among the participants.
“Green Chemistry in New York State Schools” is a continuation
of the DEC’s initiative to reduce toxic chemicals being used in
public schools, which began in 2005 with outreach about the use of
mercury in chemistry labs.
Liberty was chosen to be a part of the pilot program through
a partnership with Sullivan County BOCES. Criteria for being
selected included a needs assessment of the condition of the
school’s chemical management system, willingness to participate in
green chemistry training and interest in implementing the
principles of green chemistry in the science curriculum for at
least a full school year.
“We are thrilled to be a part of this program,” said Michael
Hazelnis, Liberty Science Department Chair. “Green chemistry will
not only better prepare students who plan on pursing degrees in
science-related fields, but it will undoubtedly be better for the
environment. I am honored to be a part of this movement in science
education.”
For more information about green chemistry, visit:
Beyond Benign, a non-profit organization that promotes
sustainable science
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Office of Chemical Safety
and Pollution Prevention
American Chemistry Society: ACS Green Chemistry Institute
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: Education
