ACS Education Division

ACS Education Division. It is a core operational unit of the American Chemical Society dedicated to advancing excellence in chemistry education at all levels. The division develops curricula, provides professional development for educators, and creates public outreach initiatives to foster scientific literacy. Its work supports the society's broader mission to improve people’s lives through the transforming power of chemistry.

History and mission

The educational mission has been integral to the American Chemical Society since its founding in 1876, with formal structures coalescing over the 20th century. A pivotal moment was the 1936 appointment of the first full-time Education Secretary, Neil Gordon, who established standardized examinations and championed undergraduate curriculum reform. The division's modern mission is to empower educators, inspire students, and engage the public by providing authoritative resources and fostering innovation in teaching and learning. This aligns with the society's strategic goals and its role as a global leader in the chemical sciences, influencing policy through bodies like the National Science Foundation and the National Research Council.

Educational programs and resources

The division produces a wide array of instructional materials and programs for K-12, undergraduate, and graduate audiences. Flagship resources include the ACS Guidelines for Chemistry in Two-Year College Programs and the influential ACS Exams Institute, which develops validated assessments used worldwide. For secondary education, it offers the ACS High School Chemistry Club program and curriculum modules aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. At the college level, it supports initiatives like the ACS Green Chemistry Institute and provides textbooks through its publishing partnership with W. W. Norton & Company. These resources are disseminated through platforms such as ChemEd Xchange and the Journal of Chemical Education.

Professional development and training

A central function is offering continuous learning opportunities for chemistry educators at all career stages. This includes workshops at national meetings like the ACS Spring National Meeting and specialized training through the ACS Committee on Professional Training for approval of undergraduate degree programs. The division organizes the Biennial Conference on Chemical Education and provides grants for pedagogical innovation. It also facilitates the ACS Student Chapters network, offering leadership training and programming support for thousands of members at institutions like the University of California, Berkeley and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Outreach and public engagement

The division leads efforts to enhance public understanding and appreciation of chemistry. Major campaigns include National Chemistry Week and Chemists Celebrate Earth Week, which involve local sections and international chapters in hands-on activities. It collaborates with institutions such as the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago and the Franklin Institute on interactive exhibits. Programs like the ACS Project SEED provide research internships for economically disadvantaged high school students, while partnerships with organizations like the Boy Scouts of America support merit badge curricula. These initiatives aim to demystify science and inspire future generations of chemists.

Governance and organization

The division operates under the governance of the American Chemical Society's Board of Directors and is advised by the Society Committee on Education. Day-to-day management is led by a director who oversees staff in Washington, D.C. working across several focused offices, such as the Office of Science Outreach and the Office of Undergraduate Programs. Key policy and programmatic direction comes from volunteer-led committees, including the Division of Chemical Education, Inc. (CHED) and the ACS Committee on Chemists with Disabilities. Funding is derived from member dues, grants from entities like the U.S. Department of Education, and revenue from publications and examinations.

Category:American Chemical Society Category:Chemistry education