High school science teachers across Canada now have free online access to Canadian Chemical News (ACCN). The initiative, says Chemical Institute of Canada (CIC) Chair David Fung, will allow teachers to enrich their chemistry classes with news of the latest chemical science innovations. It will also encourage high school students to consider the many career options open to them within the chemical sciences. “CIC is always looking for ways to engage young people in chemistry,” says Fung. “We believe that high school science teachers are key to supporting this goal. ACCN is a valuable resource tool for enriching class instruction.”
The magazine complements current high school science curricula, providing the latest in research and innovation in the chemical sciences and chemical engineering sectors. The magazine is highly readable and beautifully illustrated. It brings the working world of science to students considering a career in the sciences.
ACCN is a source for teachers to express the applicability of their lessons. Teachers often try to get students to embrace the idea that chemistry is about real life — it’s not all memorizing nomenclature and drawing molecules. Chemistry is exciting and dynamic, and studying science is a means of understanding the world. ACCN gets students interested in science by showing how seemingly abstract concepts are applicable to everyday life. How do you do chemistry experiments on a planet like Mars? How do you make medicines from ocean sponges? How do you make electricity from waste wood? These are the fascinating queries that will inspire interest in science, and make students realize that their studies are applicable to the real world.
The magazine reports on everything from oil sands to virus vaccines, and a multitude of viewpoints can be found within its pages. There is something for every science student. For example, green-living and environmental concerns are of significant interest to upcoming young chemists. As the planet experiences more extreme weather events linked to human activity, there is a growing emphasis on green chemistry, which embraces switching from petroleum-based products such as coal, oil and gas, to sustainable energy sources such as solar, wind and bio-fuel. ACCN presents stories about green innovation, and how chemical scientists and engineers are creating solutions to global energy problems. Students will understand that they have the power to effect change for the better.
Teachers can sign up for free online access on the CIC website.
