National Chemistry Week
in St Louis
... is an event sponsored by the American Chemical Society to promote public awareness of chemistry’s impact on everyday living. It’s a national, even somewhat international, celebration of our Central Science. Though celebrated at different times, chemical societies in many countries recognize a “national chemistry week.”
The theme for the 2008 celebration is “Having a Ball with Chemistry,” a focus on the role played by chemistry in sports, games, athletics.
| Links to national National Chemistry Week sites | |
|---|---|
| Australia | www.raci.org.au/national/events/chemistryweek.html |
| Canada | www.chimiste.ca/ncw |
| Great Britain | www.rsc.org/Chemsoc/Activities/ChemistryWeek |
| Singapore | snic.org.sg/ncw |
| USA | www.chemistryweek.org |
This year, we climb the political ladder. After several years of mayoral proclamations—for which, don’t get us wrong, we are very grateful—this year, the National Chemistry Week Proclamation is issued by Governor Matt Blunt. The big day was October 8.
The signed 2008 proclamation is proudly displayed by Gov. Blunt, flanked by Greg Wall (l) and Ted Gast (r).
The Chemistry Expo is usually the ultimate event of National Chemistry Week, held on the final Saturday at the St Louis Science Center. This year, with the help of over 150 volunteers from academics and industry, we provided 20 different chemistry related activities. From lung capacity bubbles, temperature and bounce height, and atomic trampolines, to the Hoberman sphere with re-entry foam, we had a ball with chemistry. Dr Keith Stine, section Chair, commented, “The number of student volunteers that showed up during the day to keep the tables well staffed was impressive as was the constant stream of visitors all the way up until closing time. The kind of interactions we had at the NCW event are a great way to encourage young students to become more interested in science and chemistry.” The event attracted and entranced over 700 visitors, young and old.
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Saint Louis University ACS student affiliates “man” the chemistry displays. |
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Chemistry Expo attracts the curious of all ages, including a 60,000,000-year-old lizard trying to remain unobtrusive. |
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Kids busy learning and doing as SIU–Edwardsville students mentor. |
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Organization for this year’s event was ably provided by NCW Chair Greg Wall, center, with assists from Keith Stine (UM–St Louis Chemistry Department and section Chair) and Susan Wiediger (SIU–Edwardsville Chemistry Department). . |
If you're looking for a way to participate in National Chemistry Week in your classroom, there are demonstrations appropriate for all grade levels. Below are just some of the resources that are available on the WWW for chemistry teachers and students. Please follow all appropriate safety precautions.
Have fun!
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