National Chemistry Week is taking place across the United States from October 18 to 24, 2026, with this year’s theme, “Chemistry Under Construction.” New Jersey will join the celebration with ChemExpo, a science event for students, families, and chemistry enthusiasts at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City.
Organized nationally by the American Chemical Society (ACS), National Chemistry Week highlights the importance of chemistry in everyday life and encourages young people to explore science through experiments, demonstrations, and educational activities.
This year’s theme focuses on chemistry’s role in construction, from developing stronger concrete and more durable steel to creating safer, more sustainable building materials.
ChemExpo Comes to Jersey City on October 24
The North Jersey Section of the American Chemical Society will host ChemExpo on Saturday, October 24, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City.
The event has been a New Jersey tradition for more than 25 years, bringing together local colleges, universities, high schools, chemistry students, industry representatives, and volunteers.
Visitors will have the opportunity to discover scientific principles through demonstrations designed to show how chemistry influences the world around us.
Organizers describe ChemExpo as a free community event. However, the announcement does not specifically clarify whether general admission to Liberty Science Center is included.
Location: Liberty Science Center, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07305.
Chemistry Is Everywhere
Chemistry is essential to the materials used in homes, schools, bridges, and roads.
Concrete, for example, combines cement, water, sand, and aggregates. Changes in its composition can influence strength, durability, and resistance to weather conditions.
Steel also depends on chemistry, with carbon and other elements influencing its mechanical properties.
Through National Chemistry Week, ACS hopes to demonstrate how scientific discoveries contribute to safer infrastructure and a more sustainable future.
Online Science Activities and Educational Resources
Students and teachers can also participate in National Chemistry Week through online educational materials and activities provided by ACS.
On October 21, ACS will host a free interactive online event, Program-in-a-Box: Chemistry Under Construction, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
The program includes expert presentations, chemistry trivia, and opportunities for participants to engage with scientists.
ACS also offers educational publications, classroom activities, and experiments designed to introduce children to chemistry through practical examples.
When Chemistry Meets Art
National Chemistry Week also encourages students to combine science with creativity through the Illustrated Poetry Contest.
Participants explore scientific ideas through poetry and original illustrations connected to the annual theme.
For New Jersey students, the announced local submission deadline is Monday, October 26, 2026.
Inspiring the Next Generation
National Chemistry Week is more than a celebration of scientific discoveries. It is an opportunity to help students see chemistry as an accessible, creative, and essential part of everyday life.
For New Jersey families, ChemExpo offers a chance to explore science beyond the classroom and discover how chemistry helps build the world around us.
Izvori: ACS | NJACS ChemExpo 2026 | ACS Online Event
By NJ RADAR Team