ChemMatters Archive

ChemMatters is produced by the American Chemical Society in October, December, February, and April. The archive gives you access to all of ChemMatters’ past articles, dating back to February 1983. The most recently released issue is available through a complimentary subscription, if you chose to receive one when you joined AACT.

For recent articles, issues, or available teacher’s guides visit acs.org/ChemMatters.

AACT members can access the archive and generate a Student Pass that gives their students access to the articles. Available Teacher’s Guides can also be found next to the corresponding issue and article in the archive.

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  • ChemHistory | The Race for lodine

    Who knew scientists could drum up so much drama? An exposé on the backroom dealings and strange characters involved in the discovery of new elements.

    Issue Date | December 2006

  • ChemSumer | Sticky Situations: The Wonders of Glue

    Glue: handy tool or childhood snack? You'll be the judge after reading all about the wild world of glue.

    Issue Date | December 2006

  • Corn—The A"maiz"ing Grain

    A grain intimately familiar yet mysterious, we have formed a partnership with corn for over 8000 years. You'll be surprised to learn how thoroughly corn is embedded into modern life.

    Issue Date | December 2006

  • Question From the Classroom | December 2006

    Why does a helium balloon rise?

    Issue Date | December 2006

  • Thermometers

    Your head is burning up, and you suspect a fever. Along with two aspirin you swallow ... a thermometer? Take a look at some common and not-so-common instruments for measuring the average kinetic energy of our molecules.

    Issue Date | December 2006

  • Unusual Sunken Treasure

    The Swedish schooner Jonkoping was attacked by German
    U-boats in 1916. The sunken ship lay undisturbed in her underwater resting place for more than 80 years until treasure hunters discovered her. Unusual treasure indeed. Not gold or silver, but champagne! Could the bottles be brought to the surface without "blowing their corks"?

    Issue Date | December 2006

  • ChemHistory | The New Alchemy

    The elements from hydrogen to uranium were created in the Big Bang or afterward during the life cycles of stars, but what about the transuranium elements, those that lie beyond uranium on the periodic table? How were these artificial elements created and who were the men and women responsible for their discovery?

    Issue Date | October 2006

  • ChemSumer | Chemistry Builds a Green Home

    It seems that everything is turning “green” these days. When the concept is brought home, the results are impressive. Today’s homes can be both environmentally friendly and esthetically pleasing.

    Issue Date | October 2006

  • Glass: More Than Meets the Eye

    The sound of glass shattering. A scream in the night... Acts of violence often involve broken glass and it's a common type of evidence found at crime scenes. How do forensic police match samples of glass?

    Issue Date | October 2006

  • Material Safety Data Sheets: Passports to Safety?

    Next time you blow out a candle, will you be properly armed with a self-contained breathing apparatus and dry chemical fire extinguisher? An MSDS is an important safety tool — but how do you gauge the accuracy of the information it contains?

    Issue Date | October 2006

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About ChemMatters Magazine

Published four times a year since February 1983, ChemMatters Magazine is an award-winning high school chemistry magazine from the American Chemical Society that helps students demystify chemistry and make connections to the world around them. AACT members receive a complimentary subscription.

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