The History of “Chemistry Day” info Chemical Man

In 1987, the 1st National Chemistry Day was declared by the American Chemical Society to promote the public’s understanding and appreciation of the role that chemistry plays in our everyday lives.  To celebrate the event, a group of local area teachers, under the sponsorship of the MSU Local Section, organized a hands-on activities and chemical demonstration program on Saturday, Nov. 7, 1987 at the Frandor Shopping Mall in East Lansing.  Presenters were teachers and students from nine area high schools.  Because this event was such a wonderful success, members of the MSU local section and area teacher, students, and members of the Lansing business community have combined their efforts to celebrate “Chemistry Day” every fall since 1987.

In 1995 the section received a special recognition award from the ACS for “Best Use of Emerging Technology” for posting digital pictures of their event on the World Wide Web.   In 1996, the ACS recognized our 10th annual event with a National Chemistry Week Phoenix Award for the “Best Shopping Mall Show” in the country.

New for the 2000 NCW celebration, girl scouts were invited to pre-register and attend “Chemistry Day”.   After completion of eight hands-on activities, the scouts were presented with a specially designed “Chemistry Day” patch for their badge sash.  Over 300 girl scouts participated!