Speakers Bureau

As science teachers we see continuing headlines and articles which express urgency regarding a two-fold concern: science literacy for all citizens, and a projected inadequate supply of trained scientific and technical personnel (STEM fields – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The U.S. must meet the projected need for adequately educated individuals if it is to remain competitive as a nation in a global economy. To do our part to address these concerns, several faculty in the Departments of Physical Sciences (chemistry, earth science, and physics departments) are making themselves available to present programs to school classes or groups, e.g., local chapters of the Kansas Junior Academy of Science or other student organizations.

These topics reflect faculty areas of expertise and/or active research. You may go to the Departments of Physical Sciences website, http://www.emporia.edu/physci, to see presenter’s biographical information (click on Faculty tab on left of screen and then on the individual faculty), and a short description of the presentation (click on Speakers Bureau tab to view all descriptions). These potential presenters know that they will be speaking to high school students who have backgrounds from one or more science courses. Finally, the presentations will include PowerPoint or visuals in other formats.

Speaker Topics
Arranging a Speaker

The following program titles are available:

	Dr. James Aber (jaber@emporia.edu ) *Landscapes of Kansas: Bird’s-eye Views* Many consider Kansas a “flat” state with few features of visual interest. From the Missouri River valley to the High Plains, however, Kansas spans major environmental transitions and displays many dramatic landscapes. Rugged hills are interspersed with valleys and broad plains. These diverse landscapes are illustrated with aerial photographs taken with kites and a helium blimp form heights of 100-500 feet. Natural and human features are depicted from the “bird’s-eye” point of view. *Wind Energy: Kansas and Denmark* From kites to electric turbines, both Kansas and Denmark are famous for their wind energy. As a world-leader in wind energy, Denmark has exported this technology, and now Kansas is beginning to realize its potential to generate clean energy. The potential for wind energy and recent developments for wind-energy electrical generation are illustrated from both regions with kite aerial photographs taken from 100-500 feet above the ground.

	Dr. DeWayne Backhus (dbackhus@emporia.edu) *Dog-gone it. What Happened to Pluto?* What is a planet? What were the circumstances that led to Pluto no longer being considered a “classical” planet, and demotion to a “dwarf” planet status (now called “plutoids”)? These and related points will be addressed. *A Decision Framework for Future Energy Choices* Using cartoons, data, and other visuals, the basis for energy resource alternatives and decision-making are explored. What are the “principles,” and consequently the options, that govern energy resource production and consumption decisions for the future?

	Dr. Malonne Davies (mdavies@emporia.edu) *Ten-to-the-minus-ninth (Think Nano)* Micro- and nano-scale particles are turning up in all sorts of places – from checkbooks to drug delivery systems to sunscreens. This presentation looks at the chemistry and technology behind particles as small as 1 x 10-9 meters that occur in everyday products.

	Dr. Robert Jones (rjones@emporia.edu) *Fusion Energy* The nature of nuclear fusion energy, fusion fuels, and the various fusion reactors currently under development will be considered in this presentation. *Plasma, the Fourth State of Matter* The presentation will describe the characteristics of the fourth state of matter, give some examples of plasmas found in nature, and cite some practical applications of plasmas.

	Dr. Jeremy Mitchell-Koch (jmitchel@emporia.edu) *Green Chemistry: 12 Principles to Help Save the Planet* Traditional chemical methods have allowed society to make great technological advances. However, these methods are often hazardous and unsustainable. Development of green chemistry has provided alternate routes to the same types of advances without the negative consequences. This presentation will explore the major principles of green chemistry through real-world examples.

	Dr. Michael Morales (mmorales@emporia.edu) *Test Discoveries About Dinosaurs* Since the first recognition of large fossil bones as dinosaurs more than 150 years ago, the number of known dinosaur species has steadily increased. But during only the last 25 years that total number of known dinosaur species has more than doubled. Most of this great recent increase in our knowledge of dinosaurs comes from discoveries in previously little explored areas of China, Africa, Madagascar, and Antarctica. This presentation will review recently discovered species of dinosaurs, many of which are quite different from usual forms. *When Kansas Was a Sea-floor* During much of the Cretaceous Period of Earth history (65-140 million years ago), when dinosaurs were in their heyday, the land of Kansas and surrounding areas was covered by a sea that connected the Gulf of Mexico and the Arctic Ocean. So instead of having fossils of dinosaurs, all of which were land dwellers, Cretaceous-age rocks of Kansas contain fossils of marine life, including mosasaurs, plesiosaurs, and pterosaurs – giant reptiles that swam in the sea or flew over it. This presentation will show images of these and other long extinct creatures that once flourished above the land that is now Kansas.

	Dr. Marcia Schulmeister (mschulme@emporia.edu) The Value of Water and a Geologist’s Role in its Protection One of the most challenging issues facing future generations is planet Earths' limited supply of fresh water. As the "carbon footprint" has become a popular index for measuring human impacts on atmospheric CO2 abundance, the "water footprint" is gaining in popularity as a new indicator of the value of water. This presentation explores the concept of "virtual water” and the role geologists play in sustaining this vital resource. Examples include local, regional, and international investigations in Kansas and China.

If you wish to arrange a speaker, do the following:

Email the potential presenter; indicate possible dates, and also the preferred time and program title. Consider allowing several weeks between the time for a request and the date for a program presentation.

Have a location with capability for a PowerPoint presentation. Speakers will generally have their presentations on a “travel drive”.

We do not expect an honorarium nor travel reimbursement. If you have any questions of a general or procedural nature, please contact me, Jim Roach, by telephone at 620-341-5330, or via email at jroach@emporia.edu.

The following points relate to the future:

Invited speakers will bring with them a folder of materials related to our various programs (chemistry, earth science and physics majors, the dual-degree engineering, and pre-professional programs such as pre-engineering, pre-medical, or pre-pharmacy, for example). This will be left with a teacher or other designated person to share with students as considered appropriate.

The http://www.emporia.edu/physci website will be updated in future years if program titles or speaker availabilities change. Hence, this is intended to be a continuing opportunity.

In closing, I am hopeful that this service will have a positive effect as we address the two-fold concerns of science literacy and an adequate supply of scientific personnel. In the meantime, I commend you for your commitment to the sciences, science education, and your students.

Department of Physical Sciences

Speakers Bureau