Celebrate ‘out of this world’ science during National Chemistry Week, Oct. 21-27, 2018

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8, 2018 — The American Chemical Society (ACS) invites one and all to celebrate National Chemistry Week from Sunday, Oct. 21, to Saturday, Oct. 27, with the theme “Chemistry is Out of This World!”

For more than 30 years, National Chemistry Week has highlighted the value of chemistry in everyday life. Through local events and national campaigns, National Chemistry Week introduces young people to the wonders of science and encourages careers in the STEM fields: science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Get involved! Here are some ways:

• Share online using #NationalChemistryWeek and #CelebratingChemistry. Tell us how you use chemistry to improve the world. Wish friends and followers a happy #NationalChemistryWeek.
• Get involved by planning outreach events or contacting your local National Chemistry Week coordinator to see what’s already happening in your area.
• Write and illustrate an original poem and submit it to an Illustrated Poem Contest. Spread the word to schools and teachers near you.
• Advocate by writing to your local leaders asking them to support National Chemistry Week with our “Request a Proclamation” feature.
• Learn about the ACS’ National Historic Chemical Landmark commemorating the infrared spectrometer used to explore the chemistry of Mars.
• Attend Chemistry Day, Oct. 23, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., presented by ACS and Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. Chemistry Day will feature demonstrations by Bassam Shakhashiri, Ph.D., a renowned advocate for science education; a talk about diversity within the sciences with K. Renee Horton, Ph.D.; and opening remarks by Allison Campbell, Ph.D., the immediate past president of ACS. Event location: Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, 600 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20560.

National Chemistry Week began as National Chemistry Day on Nov. 6, 1987, but the observance soon evolved into an annual weeklong event that takes place in the fourth week of October.

The American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society, is a not-for-profit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS is a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related information and research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. ACS does not conduct research, but publishes and publicizes peer-reviewed scientific studies. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.