FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | January 21, 2011

Philadelphia kids to try chemistry experiments for the International Year of Chemistry Feb. 5

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 21, 2011 — Kids and families can learn more about the fascinating world of chemistry through hands-on, age-appropriate activities at The Franklin Institute that will help launch the 2011 International Year of Chemistry (IYC). The activities will be led by members of the American Chemical Society’s Philadelphia Local Section.

The kids’ event will include hands-on activities such as using household chemicals to create special effects, conducting experiments with copper, and making biodegradable building blocks from cornstarch.

What: Hands-on chemistry experiments for kids of all ages, to launch the 2011 International Year of Chemistry

Where: Franklin Hall, The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, Pa.

When: Saturday, Feb. 5, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Who: Kids, families and anyone interested in chemistry are encouraged to attend.

Note: For directions and more information, visit The Franklin Institute website: www.fi.edu

For a list of other IYC launch activities in Philadelphia during the week of Feb. 1, visit http://www.chemheritage.org/about/news-and-press/press-releases/2010-11-30-iyc-launch-week.aspx

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is a renowned and innovative leader in the field of science and technology learning, as well as a dynamic center of activity. Pennsylvania’s most visited museum, it is dedicated to creating a passion for learning about science by offering access to hands-on science education.

Dow Chemical is the official partner of the International Year of Chemistry at The Franklin Institute.

The International Year of Chemistry (IYC) 2011 is a global celebration of chemistry and its contributions to the world around us as officially designated by the United Nations. This worldwide initiative is being celebrated under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), and features activities conducted by countries such as the United States that adhere to these organizations. The U.S. launch of IYC 2011 begins Feb. 1 in Philadelphia, Pa.

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Media Contact

Rachael Bishop
202-872-4445
r_bishop@acs.org