People might think chemistry only happens in a lab or in school. But it is essential in our lives!

What does chemistry have to do with your family?

At every age and stage--from feeding the baby to coping with arthritis--the ins and outs of our daily lives are brought to us by chemistry. Every reunion, every day at the beach, every road trip...wherever families gather, chemistry's part of the picture.

Can chemistry be fun?

Riding your bike? Surfing the waves? Chemistry helps get you going. It's part of every shopping spree, it's at the movies--it's even in those fruity drinks with the little umbrellas. Low-tech or high-tech, everything from crayons to computer games gets an element of fun from the business of chemistry. Text courtesy of theAmerican Chemistry Council.

Here are some additional ways chemistry and society connect!

Inquiry in Action

Inquiry in Action, 3rd edition, is a resource of guided, inquiry-based activites that covers basic chemistry concepts along with the process of scientific investigation. Written for elementary and middle school science classes, Inquiy in Action helps students ask scientific questions and investigate them, design experiments, record observations, draw conclusions and communicate their findings. It includes extensive science background for teachers, strategic questioning, teacher demonstrations, detailed procedures for experiments, student activity sheets, preparation notes, and assessments.