Contributed by Kim Morehouse, CSW NCW Coordinator
The NCW 2016 theme is “Solving Mysteries through Chemistry”, focusing on the science behind the use of chemistry in forensics. The electronic version of the Celebrating Chemistry Newsletter is available from the ACS website (www.acs.org/ncw).
Each year the American Chemical Society’s (ACS) NCW campaign reaches millions of people with positive messages about the contributions of chemistry to their daily lives. NCW is a community-based annual event that unites ACS local sections, businesses, schools, and individuals in communicating the importance of chemistry to our quality of life. 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.
You can contribute to the NCW campaign by performing chemical demonstrations at a neighborhood school (consider having an illustrated poem contest); conducting hands-on activities with children at museums, malls, or libraries; or writing articles or letters to the editor of your local paper. If you would like to lead an activity at your local school or library, CSW will provide you with some grade-specific materials to hand out to the students, as well as some simple demonstrations that you can use.
The Chemical Society of Washington (CSW), along with the ACS Office of Community Activities, is planning several NCW events. Volunteers are needed for these outreach activities (see below). More information about local activities will be posted on the CSW (www.csw-acs.org) or the Capital Chemist (www.capitalchemist.org) websites as they become available. For further information, or to volunteer, contact the CSW NCW coordinator, Kim M. Morehouse via e-mail at [email protected], or by phone at 240-402-1889 (day) or 301-384-7311 (evening).
CSW Participation in National Chemistry Week at Crystal City Family Festival
Crystal City streets enliven with over 30,000 runners during the 40th annual Marine Corps Marathon, where spectators can spark dedication and experience fun for all ages. The Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with Vornado/Charles E. Smith is hosting its annual Marine Corps Marathon Family Festival on Sunday, October 30th from 9:30 am to 2 pm.
Conveniently located near the Metro station (on the blue and yellow lines), Crystal City is the perfect place to experience the Marine Corps Marathon with multiple opportunities to cheer on runners and provide encouragement towards the end of the race. Spectators can enjoy delicious restaurants while supporting loved ones. The festival will include engaging activities like moon bounces, face painting, arts and crafts, cotton candy, balloon animals, circus activities, and more.
As part of National Chemistry Week on Sunday, October 30, 2016, CSW will once again participate in the Family Festival event in Crystal City, Arlington, VA in conjunction with the Marine Corps Marathon. CSW Volunteers will perform hands-on activities for the children who attend and distribute copies of the Celebrating Chemistry newsletter and chemistry-themed items.
To volunteer, please contact the CSW NCW Coordinator, Kim M. Morehouse via e-mail at [email protected].
NCW at the John Eaton Elementary School Block Party
On Saturday, October 15, 2016, The ACS Office of Community Activities will once again be participating in the annual block party at John Eaton Elementary School (3301 Lowell Street, NW) in the Cleveland Park Neighborhood of Washington, DC. The event runs from noon to 4:00 pm with set up starting at 11:00 am. Volunteers will be assisting with hands on activities for the children who attend and handing out NCW themed publications and goodies.
You can sign up to volunteer for this event by contacting the CSW NCW Coordinator, Kim M. Morehouse via e-mail at [email protected].
NCW 2015 Illustrated Poem Contest
Each year as part of National Chemistry Week (NCW) activities, the American Chemical Society (ACS) sponsors an illustrated poem contest for students in Kindergarten – 12th grades. Schools are encouraged to have a contest within the school as part of their classroom studies and submit one entry per grade category. CSW will be sponsoring a local NCW Illustrated Poem contest. The National illustrated poem contest is focused on “Where’s the Chemistry?” Participants are encouraged to explore topics related to the chemistry associated with forensics science. Write and illustrate a poem using the National Chemistry Week theme, “Solving Mysteries through Chemistry.” Your poem can be in any style as long as it is no more than 40 words. All entries must be received by the local NCW coordinator no later than Friday, November 4, 2016. Entries should be mailed to the NCW Coordinator at the CSW office. Winning entries from each grade category will be forwarded to the ACS for the national competition and will receive a local section award as well. Additional information on the contest, as well as NCW, is available on the ACS web site (www.acs.org/ncw).
