The American Chemistry Council (ACC) is joining with the American Chemical Society (ACS) to celebrate National Chemistry Week (NCW). NCW is the community-based annual event that unites businesses, schools, and individuals in communicating the importance of chemistry to our quality of life. Each year the campaign reaches millions of people with positive messages about the contributions of chemistry to their daily lives. It is the one time during the year that chemists, regardless of background, unite with the common goal of spreading the word that chemistry is good for our economy, our health, and our well-being. The theme for NCW 2009 is “Chemistry—It’s Elemental!”
The elements are the basis of the entire universe and of life on Earth, and they are an important part of everyday life. They compose the graphite in pencils, the tungsten in light bulbs, neon lights, copper for cooling applications, the sodium in table salt—the list literally never ends! The year 2009 is the 140th anniversary of Mendeleev’s Periodic Table of the Elements, and it is a wonderful opportunity to investigate and appreciate the discovery and use of the elements in every aspect of our lives.
Related Links
- ACC Learning Center
- Chlorine Science Center
- Plastics Learning Center
- Polyurethane Learning Center
- Download and Sign the Petition for a Commemorative Chemistry Stamp
- Molecules That Matter—10 Organic Molecules That Changed the 20th Century
- Chlorine Compound of the Month Library
- Building Block Chemistry—Learning the Periodic Table
- Classroom Resources—Chemical Heritage Foundation
- Photographic Periodic Table of the Elements
- Explore Chemistry—American Chemical Society
Activities
Teaching Plastics
Hands on Plastics™ (HOP™) science education investigation kits contain everything you need to design and implement a thorough and engaging investigation into the chemistry and characteristics of plastics. Learning activities are inquiry-based. HOP™ is available for classrooms that use Bunsen burners, and HOP2™ is for those classrooms that do NOT use this science education equipment. HOP Jr.™ offers plastics science education activities and resources for elementary school teachers.
For more information, visit www.acs.org/ncw and click on "Find an NCW Coordinator" to get involved!
