Boy Scouting is considered to be the premier youth organization for boys and young men, reaching over a million boys in America each year. The Boy Scouts of America sponsor several programs designed to provide young Americans of all ages with opportunities to explore the natural sciences through a variety of forums. Programs for boys in grades 1-5 include tours of research laboratories and manufacturing plants as well as science-related activities including plants, wildlife, environment and weather. Webelos, which consist of boys in 4th and 5th grades, can earn the Scientist Badge by completing a select number of requirements including showing the effects of water and air pressure, explaining how crystals are formed and creating and showing in different ways how inertia works. Through these programs, American Chemical Society (ACS) chemists help boys learn more about science in general, and chemistry and chemical careers in particular. Many ACS chemists serve as merit badge counselors for the Boy Scout Chemistry merit badge. University chemistry faculties, chemistry clubs and industry employee groups have held chemistry merit badge days, some in conjunction with National Chemistry Week, where groups of Boy Scouts work together to earn the merit badge.
Poster CHED-052 will be presented by G.L. Cote from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sun., March 29, at the Hyatt Regency, Regency Ballroom A, Lobby Level.
# # # #
A nonprofit organization with a membership of more than 155,000 chemists and chemical engineers, the American Chemical Society publishes scientific journals, convenes major research conferences, and provides educational, science policy and career programs in chemistry. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.