FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | August 11, 2009

Celebrating the elements of chemistry: A free hands-on science community event

WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2009 — The American Chemical Society (ACS) is sponsoring hands-on science activities for area youngsters and their families about the elements of chemistry on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009, during the 238th National Meeting of the ACS. Admission is free.

The activities, which will be conducted in English and Spanish under the supervision of area chemists, will offer many wonderful opportunities for video and still photography of youngsters experiencing the wonder and excitement of doing their own colorful hands-on chemistry experiments and learning about the periodic table of elements.

What: Celebrating the elements of chemistry: A hands-on science community event

The ACS will host hands-on science and art activities for children and their families to learn about the elements in the periodic table in honor of the ACS 2009 National Chemistry Week celebration and the 140th anniversary of the periodic table of elements. The hands- on activities will include the art and science of creating colorful marbled paper patterns using shaving cream and food coloring: making finger paints by grinding spices or other household items and mixing them in petroleum jelly: using acids in common kitchen items (vinegar, ketchup, etc.) to clean copper oxides off of dull pennies to reveal bright, shiny copper underneath; making a sticky polymer from Borax and glue; and making a lava lamp using safe kitchen ingredients (Alka Seltzer, vegetable oil, and water). To make this day even more memorable, there will be gift bags of goodies and instructions on how to do safe, fun chemistry activities at home.

Who: Hosted by the American Chemical Society

Where: FBR (Friedman, Billings, Ramsey) Branch of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington at

THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20020. Metro Green Line: Southern Avenue Station. Metro Bus Lines: 94 (Stanton Road Line) 30,32,34,35, 36 (Pennsylvania Avenue Line) & W2, 3 (Southeast Community Hospital-Anacostia Line).

When: Saturday, Aug. 15, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Why: A community outreach program designed to show how chemistry contributes to our quality of life.

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Media Inquiries:

Nancy McCormick-Pickett

202-872-4381

Michael Bernstein

202-872-6042