National Chemistry Day National Chemistry Day is an opportunity! I t is an opportunity for the chemical scientists of this country to demonstrate their commitment to the public understanding of chemistry. Chemists and chemical engineers will use National Chemistry Day t o build an understanding of this central science that is so essential to our physical well-being and economic strength-as individuals and as a nation. Through National Chemistry Day the chemical community will communicate with the general public about the many benefits that chemistry brings to our lives. And chemists and chemical engineers will respond to public fears about the risks associated with chemistry and chemicals. For National ChemistryDay allof theavenuesavailahlefor reachingthe publicwill he used: national and local television and radio; newspaper and magazine ads and articles; community events and activities; chemical demonstrations in classrooms and museums; open houses in chemical plants and in universities. These and other ways yet to be created await the men and women of the chemical community willing to participate in this unique opportunity t o build the puhlie understanding of chemistry.
Who's Plannlng This Event? National Chemistry Day was proposed by 1986 American Chemical Society President George Pimentel and was endorsed by the Society's Board of Directors. During 1986 several model programs were conducted across the nation, and their experiences form the base for the 1987 program. This year Pimentel and Mary Good, 1987 ACS President, have invited the Society's 182 Local sections to bring National Chemistry Day to the public. The response from the local sections has been overwhelming, with aver 140sections indicating interest in National Chemistry Day to date! Local sections and their community institutions-including industry, schools and colleges, government, the media, business, museums, libraries, the performing arts, trade associations, and other scientific societies-will work together to plan, create, and carry out a National Chemistry Day event (or events) for their local community.
Volunteering? If you or your organization would like to contribute t o the success of National Chemistry Dayhy assistingwith an NCD event, please contact your local section for information. If you do not know the telephone number, call the ACS National Chemistry Day Office (202-872-4085 or 800-227-5558). And keep watching for the NCD logo in the Journal of Chemical Educotmn. Future columns will describe successful model programs, give suggestions for how you can participate in Anne Wilson National Chemistry Day, and have updates on the progress of this year's program! Valspar Corporation 901 NorthGreenwood Avenue Kankakee, IL 60901
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Journal of Chemical Education
