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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  • Access is an AACT member benefit. The Opioid Epidemic: How Did it Get This Bad?

    As waves of coronavirus variants keep communities on constant alert, another epidemic has continued its relentless growth. In 2021 alone, more than 100,000 people in the United States died from a drug overdose, a 15% increase over the previous year.

    Issue Date | October 2022

  • Access is an AACT member benefit. What are Glow Sticks and What is the Chemical Reaction That Makes Them Light Up?

    Whether you’re trick-or-treating on Halloween or dancing the night away, glow sticks provide a cool source of light. That light is made by a chemical reaction — a phenomenon known as chemiluminescence.

    Issue Date | October 2022

  • Access is an AACT member benefit. Bugs and the Future of Meat

    Raising insects for food is a growing business. Could they one day replace beef, chicken, and pork on plates everywhere?

    Issue Date | April 2022

  • Access is an AACT member benefit. Can You Power Devices With Your Body?

    Each movement you make requires energy and releases it. What if you could reclaim some of the energy that you produce with your own body?

    Issue Date | April 2022

  • Access is an AACT member benefit. How Hair Removers Get Rid of Unwanted Fuzz

    Hair removal creams, waxing and sugaring, and lasers are all viable options for hair removal. Knowing how each method works might help you decide which one to choose.

    Issue Date | April 2022

  • Access is an AACT member benefit. The Power of a Prize

    A profile on Marcius Extavour who hopes to push energy and climate technology to new levels so that everyone around the world can use lights, refrigeration, cooling, and heating in their homes.

    Issue Date | April 2022

  • Access is an AACT member benefit. Water Wars

    Fizzy, plain, flavored, or alkaline—drinking water comes in many varieties. Understand the chemistry behind their differences.

    Issue Date | April 2022

  • Access is an AACT member benefit. What's the Difference Between Art and Science?

    While the outcomes of science and art are quite different, the processes involved have undeniable similarities.

    Issue Date | April 2022

  • Access is an AACT member benefit. A Leap into the Philosophy of Chemistry

    An interview with Vanessa Seifert who explores whether and how chemistry can help explain the relationship between physics and other sciences.

    Issue Date | February 2022

  • Access is an AACT member benefit. Could Vaccines be Pain Free?

    For decades, the hypodermic needle has been the delivery method of choice for inoculations. Is a less scary option finally on the horizon?

    Issue Date | February 2022

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Teacher Members, use a Student Pass to give your students 7 days of access to our locked member-only videos, animations, and archived articles of ChemMatters Magazine.

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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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Discover how an AACT membership enhances your experience in the chemistry classroom. Join now to access a wealth of resources, professional development, and other member benefits. Members have access to the archive and can generate a Student Pass.

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