ROCK Program:
Rural Outreach Chemistry for Kids
What is R.O.C.K.?
Rural Outreach Chemistry for Kids (R.O.C.K.) is a volunteer organization founded by Dr. Edward P. Zovinka, Professor of Chemistry at Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA and the American Chemical Society-Student Affiliates (Chemistry Club). Founded in 1995, the R.O.C.K. program provides local schools and youth organizations with the opportunity to experience chemistry in real life situations. The purpose is to demonstrate to the local K-12 students that science (especially chemistry) is important in everyone's life and can be exciting and interesting. R.O.C.K. also provides students with the chance to experience and participate with the available equipment provided by the R.O.C.K. program. R.O.C.K. also participates in the Saint Francis University Activities Fair, Saint Francis University Science Day, Little R.O.C.K. with Harmony High School, and Take Your Child to Work Day. R.O.C.K. performs hands-on chemistry experiments and activities using mainly household products to show the importance of chemistry in day to day living. R.O.C.K. also looks at the role that chemistry will have in the future as well as how it will benefit our society.
In keeping with R.O.C.K.'s fundamental idea that science is fun, this year's fun-filled theme is Fiesta!
Want to join in the party? Send us an RSVP!
Click here to request a visit from R.O.C.K. to your school!
What does R.O.C.K. do?
The list of activities that R.O.C.K. features is long and still growing! Some of the "experiments" have become favorites of teachers and student alike, such as Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream. Click here for the 2008-2009 list of R.O.C.K.'s activities!  
Who Makes up Rock?
R.O.C.K. is directed by two people: the faculty advisor and the student director. The faculty advisor is Dr. Edward P. Zovinka and the current student director is Christina Doty, a junior Elementary/Special Education major. Since 1995, the R.O.C.K. program has had 8 student directors:
Christina Doty (present)
Kim Schrock (2007-2008)
Lauren Kulak (2006-2007)
Andrew Farabaugh (2004-2006)
Jelena Petrovic (2002-2004)
Jenna Hruska (2000-2002)
Susan Weymer (1998-2000)
Christine Wasil (1997-1998)
Michele Vermillion (1996-1997)
Ryan Howard (1995-1996) Numerous volunteers from all majors at Saint Francis University assist in the performance of each R.O.C.K. event as well as the following Chemistry professors: | Dr. Rose Clark | Dr. Pedro Muino | | Dr. Balazs Hargittai | Dr. Edward P. Zovinka |
Many Thanks To Our Sponsors:
Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh Mr. Mark Thomas of Thomas Chevrolet for his generous donation of a van for the R.O.C.K. program to provide transportation to events for our student volunteers. Have any questions about R.O.C.K.? Email us here.
“[Your program] is a beneficial learning experience and especially helpful when I’m teaching the gas laws. The students look forward to seeing your presentations and they really enjoy it."
“Thank you so much for coming to our school and teaching us about liquid nitrogen. We don’t have resources like you to do experiments like that all the time. It was really fun and the ice cream was really good!”
“It is a wonderful program which stimulates students' interest in science while having fun. The hands-on activities enable students to not only experience science but most importantly understand how science impacts their everyday lives.” -Teacher “R.O.C.K. has become a vital part of my science curriculum. The professors and students that make up R.O.C.K. are themselves, enthusiastic about science and very knowledgeable about the theories behind the "fun”! -Teacher Here is a story on the R.O.C.K. Program that was in the Tribune-Democrat (1/27/08) |