Exploring the Secrets of Perfect Photography Through Chemistry at NCW 2024

Picture Perfect: NCW Event Highlighted the Science Behind Photography

The American Chemical Society (ACS), founded in 1876, is one of the world's largest scientific societies, with over 155,000 members. It advances the chemistry enterprise through publications, conferences, educational resources, and research support, and operates the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS). The National Chemistry Week 2024, held from 20 to 26 October, themed “Picture Perfect Chemistry,” witnessed volunteers from 114 local sections, four international chemical sciences chapters, and several student chapters hosted hands-on activities and demonstrations. The experts educated thousands of participants  about chemistry's role in photography and imaging, distributed 72,750 copies of the magazine and celebrated Chemistry in English and 7,750 in Spanish. Additionally, 32 sections participated in an illustrated poem contest for K–12 students.

Lori Stepan, chair of the ACS Committee on Community Activities, described NCW 2024 as a “picture-perfect success.” Local sections and chemist groups hosted thousands of children and families, featuring hands-on chemistry demonstrations. This year, ACS volunteers were required to adhere to the new Youth Protection Policy, which mandated background checks for all volunteers at ACS-hosted outreach events since September 1. Stepan noted that the policy was implemented smoothly, with most volunteers prioritizing the safety of younger participants. By October 31, over 1,500 background checks had been completed, averaging a 12-hour turnaround time.

The major highlights of NCW 2024 were the California Section supported the Science in the Park event at California State University, where volunteers demonstrated UV-sensitive color-changing beads, cyanotype imaging paper, and ferromagnetic fluid sheets. Similarly, the Central Massachusetts Local Section organized a demonstration explaining the photosensitivity of silver salts to students. Section members and students from Marshall University helped children create nature art prints using cyanotype paper and sunlight and taught them to use diffraction glasses to view atomic emission spectra.

Meanwhile, the Central Wisconsin Local Section conducted an imaging activity demonstrating how scientists use probes to image atoms and molecules. The Chemical Society of Washington hosted activities at the Spooky Mad Science Expo, where students participated in activities like using magnets to explain how atoms are imaged, making UV light prints with NCW logo stencils, and examining the security markings on a $5 bill. Similarly, the Columbus Section held an outreach event where volunteers demonstrated traditional photography negatives and helped students create images on UV-sensitive paper using stencils and transparencies.

The East Tennessee Section hosted its 34th annual chemistry show and various educational events at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, while the Hampton Roads Local Section and student chapter organized activities at a local planetarium and a fall festival in Virginia Beach. The Illinois Heartland Section and Illinois College students hosted an ACS Program-in-a-Box watch party. Additionally, the Lake Superior Local Section celebrated Mole Day with the College of Saint Scholastica’s Chemistry and Biochemistry Club, and the Louisville Local Section organized demonstrations at the Kentucky Science Center and distributed resources to elementary schools. In Maryland, the section held 19 events at public libraries and for homeschool cooperatives, teaching students about cyanotype paper, human vision, origami pinhole cameras, secret messages, and UV-sensitive bead bracelets. The Midland College Student Chapter organized activities at Midland Park Mall, while the Nigeria International Chemical Sciences Chapter hosted a weeklong celebration promoting chemistry's role in addressing global challenges.

Dana M. Barry of the Northern New York Local Section discussed photography and cameras with students and distributed Celebrating Chemistry magazines. The Ouachita Valley Local Section in Louisiana conducted polymer, water, and atmospheric chemistry experiments. The Pensacola Section, with the University of West Florida Chemistry Club, hosted a tie-dye T-shirt event, an ACS Program-in-a-Box event, and distributed Celebrating Chemistry magazines to elementary schools. The Pittsburgh Section hosted photography and lens experiments, plus an exposition at the Carnegie Science Center, attracting hundreds of participants. Similarly, the Portland Local Section conducted activities on cyanotype imaging and microscopy with the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. The Richland Section organized an outreach event at Eastern Oregon University, involving students in fluorescence and imaging activities to identify fish diseases.

The Southern Nevada Local Section partnered with the Discovery Children’s Museum in Las Vegas for hands-on activities and a seminar on polarizers, filters, microscopes, liquid crystals, UV light, and refraction. Meanwhile, the University of Arizona Chemistry Club held a demonstration show, and the University of Mississippi ACS members distributed periodic table cookies and NCW merchandise, and hosted a seminar by chemistry professor Jason Ritchie. The Upper Ohio Valley Local Section arranged two chemical magic shows at Marietta College for students and families from 15 local elementary schools. Lastly, the Western Michigan Local Section held its annual Chemistry at the Mall event at Woodland Mall in Kentwood, where volunteers from local companies and universities performed hands-on chemistry activities with the public.

National Chemistry Week 2024 highlighted the intersection of chemistry and photography through engaging activities and educational demonstrations across the country. The event was a resounding success, promoting chemistry in creative and accessible ways, and setting the stage for the upcoming National Chemistry Week 2025, focused on "The Hidden Life of Spices. "The interested participants can find out more about the event at www.acs.org/ncw.

Editor's Note:

National Chemistry Week (NCW) 2024, organized by the American Chemical Society (ACS), was a tremendous success. Volunteers from ACS local sections, international chemical sciences chapters, and student groups came together to engage thousands of people in hands-on activities exploring chemistry's vital role in photography and imaging. Demonstrations ranged from UV-sensitive beads to cyanotype imaging paper and ferromagnetic fluid sheets, sparking curiosity and fostering a deeper understanding of the science behind photography. The celebration was not just limited to the U.S. with international chapters and local sections contributing to a global effort to raise awareness of chemistry’s impact on everyday life.

Skoobuzz anticipates that the upcoming NCW 2025 will showcase the versatility and importance of chemistry and inspire participants of all ages to explore the world of science around them.