You Be The Chemist Challenge (YBTC) - ASEEDER Academic Challenges

The Chemical Educational Foundation (CEF) was founded by the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) in 1989. Its mission is to build the excitement and value of chemistry and STEM careers with K-8 students through accessible science programs and hands-on experiences.

CEF's circle of supporters now also includes consumer product corporations and a range of STEM and science-related businesses that are U.S. and global leaders.

CEF's You Be The Chemist Challenge is a collaborative, multilevel academic competition that celebrates the science of chemistry and elevates STEM careers. Official website: www.chemed.org

BASF

Dow

Brenntag

Shell

IMCD

PVS

ICL

Echo

MAROON GROUP

COLGATE-PALMOLIVE

Monument

You Be the Chemist Challenge (YBTC) is aimed at students who have not systematically studied chemistry from grades 5 to 8. Therefore, the purpose of YBTC is to enlighten and inspire students' interest and confidence in chemistry learning and scientific exploration, and to inspire them to become future scientists. Every year, more than 60,000 students from 41 states in the United States participate in YBTC. YBTC has become one of the largest youth science activities in the United States. It is also a scientific activity that most American science students love to participate in in their lower grades. Global website: www.chemed.org/programs/challenge

The detailed academic preparation materials will be provided to the students (the Chinese version is available in China.) The YBTC does not emphasize the mastery of chemistry, but focuses more on the development of interest in and the ability to explore science. Participants are organized into teams of four and are given an all-round experience in various forms of science learning through multiple-choice written tests, on-the-spot quizzes, and demonstrations of chemistry experiments and scientific research.

Based on the 21st century core competence requirements, YBTC focuses on training:

Teamwork and leadership

Autonomous learning ability

Problem solving ability

Critical thinking and innovative ability

Presentation ability

Qualifier Round

Qualifier Round

Time: Dec. 14, 2024 (Sat.) 14:00-14:40 (40mins)
Location: Paper-based in partnering school
Players: · Primary School - Grade 5-6 · Middle School - Grade 7-8
Team: 4 students, mixed grade teams in primary or middle schools are acceptable. Each student takes the exam individually, and then take the average score
Format: 40 multiple choice questions, 1 point for each correct answer, 0 points for blank or wrong answers
Deadline：Dec. 3, 2024

Award

Perfect Score Award: Individual with full scores
Prize Award: Teams with full marks
Distinction Award: Top 30% of the national team
Qualifier Award: Top 20% of the regional team

* Note: Primary School and Middle School are awarded separately. Participation and awarded certificates will be issued in the form of e-Certs. Winners are eligible to be invited to the national round.

National Round

- - Date: May 1-4 (4 Days), 2025
  - Deadline: TBD
  - Location: Onsite
  - Qualifications: Teams that have won the Prize, Distinction, and Qualifier awards in the Qualifier Round.Team members cannot be replaced. If one person cannot participate, the remaining team can continue to participate. If two members are unable to participate, remaining team members need to adjust and merge.
  - Language: Chinese and English
  Challenges
- 1. YBTC Quiz Bee：It's a team showdown! Teams will compete for glory, answering questions, with total scores calculated based on accuracy and speed. Get ready to dive into the thrill of quick thinking and independent exploration .
- 2. Science Bazaar：Unleash your creativity! Each team crafts a mind-blowing "Chemistry-themed Microfilm" based on the yearly theme. Showcase your masterpiece and share insights during the Science Bazaar, where inspiration flows like a river!
- 3. Crazy Elements Show：Brace yourself for a spectacular display of chemistry's wild side! Elements dance, colors explode, and liquids transform in an instant. Immerse yourself in the mad world of elements – a show you won't forget!
- 4. Scientist's Theater：Following the step of the Chinese scientists as they unveil the mysteries of science in a unique and captivating way. Get ready for an enthralling journey through time and space!
- 5. Treasure Hunt：The cosmic king has scattered gems across every corner, and it's your mission to find them! Navigate through different science challenges set by guardians, testing not just your wisdom but also your teamwork.
- 6. Chemical Artist:Immerse yourself in a creative odyssey where chemistry meets art! Use clever techniques to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Unveil the surprises as each fabric unfolds – an adventure in every stroke!
- 7. Science Holmes:How much do you really know about the vast world of science? This is a personal challenge where answers unfold based on clues. Prepare for an adrenaline-pumping adventure that will expand your scientific horizon!
Academic guidance
- The CEF Organizing Committee will provide a series of videos and related study materials on how to make micro-movies and how to discover chemistry in daily life.
- Each team can look for advisor who is responsible for answering the difficulties students have encountered during the experiment. If the team receives an award, the advisor will also receive the Outstanding Advisor Award.
- The advisor is only responsible for answering questions and is not responsible for helping students design experiments.
Schedule(for reference only)
Awards