(NAPSA)—Manymightbe surprised to learn that naturally occurring chemicals—such as nitrogen and potassium—play an we important role in keeping plants growing and green. Thanks to a program that celebrates the benefits of chemistry, they can learn about this and other ways that chemistry contributes to the world around us. The program—Chemists Celebrate Earth Day (CCED)—is sponsored by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and is celebrated annually on April 22. The event was created to highlight the positive impact that chemistry has on the environment. The ACS offers a suite of events, contests and educational resources that can be used by ACS members, chemical educators and chemistry enthusiasts to illustrate the positive role that chemistry plays in the world. This year, the American Chemical Society’s observance of Earth Day includes a wide variety of community activities focusing on the program’s theme, “Plants— The Green Machines!” This annual event unites ACS local sections, businesses, schools and individuals in communicating the importance of chemistry to the quality of life. Activities planned by ACS local sections and student chapter members range from planting gardens, helping children conduct hands-on activities using everyday household materials, playing word games and puzzles, to sponsoring an illustrated poem contest for students in grades K-12. Eart “e Earth Day “ G femists care™ @ Many might be surprised to learn the role that chemistry plays in keeping the environment growing and green. Children can write poems in any style including haiku, limerick, ode, ABC poem, free verse, end rhyme, blank verse and sonnet, and no longer than 40 words. Topics can include: Environmental chemistry— plants help to keep air clean; Food chemistry—plants are a source of food; Biochemistry—plants are being used as an alternate fuel source; and General plant function—photosynthesis and respiration. First-place winners in each of the national contest’s grade categories will win $200. Second-place winners in each grade category will win $100. The American Chemical Society is a nonprofit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress.It is the world’s largest scientific society and a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related research. For information about ACS, var- ious activities and the illustrated poem contest, including contest deadlines, visit www.acs.org/ earthday.
