If it stinks, it's chemistry—that's one memory trick some smart-aleck high-school students might recommend to identify the core sciences. But chemistry goes far beyond noxious fumes. It serves as the backbone of our modern society and is essential for a sustainable future and an improved standard of living for all.
To bring that message to people of all ages, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have designated 2011 as the International Year of Chemistry, or IYC2011. It happens to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Marie Curie's Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Officially launched on January 28, IYC2011 will rely on the help of chemical societies, academies and institutions worldwide to increase the public appreciation of chemistry in meeting world needs; boost interest of young people in chemistry; and generate enthusiasm for the creative future of chemistry. Lectures, exhibits and hands-on experiments will explore how chemical research can help solve vexing global problems related to food, water, health, energy and transportation. Check the IYC2011 website for details and activities in your area.
As for Scientific American , we've got a series of articles planned that will explore the cutting edge of chemistry and nanotechnology. The special package will appear in a fall print issue, although you will be able to see early versions on our Web site.
We have also partnered with NBC Learn, which has begun its Chemistry NOW project in conjunction with the National Science Foundation. It features educational videos and other content about chemistry in everyday life. For Valentine's Day, NBC Learn takes a look at the chemistry of chocolate, explaining why the treat is so irresistible thanks in part to its ideal melting temperature and mood-lifting compounds.
参考译文:
如果有什么很臭的话,那就是化学。这是一些自以为聪明的高中生会推荐的判定该核心科学的记忆小诡计。但化学的范畴远远超出有毒气体。它作为我们现代社会的脊梁,对我们可持续发展的未来和高水平的生活标准是至关重要的。
为了向所有年龄段的人传达这一信息,纯净与应用化学国际联盟(IUPAC, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry )和联合国教科文组织(UNESCO)把2011年指定为国际化学年(IYC2011)。它正好和居里夫人获得诺贝尔化学奖100周年相一致。
2011国际化学年活动正式启动于1月28日,它会借助全世界的化学学会、院校和机构来增加公众对“化学满足了世界需求”的认识,增加年轻人对化学的兴趣以,催生公众对化学创造性未来的热情。讲座,展览和亲自动手实验,会告诉你化学研究是如何解决全球性的棘手问题,比如说食品、水、健康、能源和运输。点击 2011国际化学年(IYC2011)网站可查询到你所在地区的活动和细节。
至于我们《科学美国人》,我们为此准备了一系列的文章来探索化学和纳米科技前沿。虽然你可以在我们网站上看到早期版本,但这个特别方案会在秋季期刊上展现给大家。
我们也同 NBC learn 合作,NBC learn 已经和美国国家基金会一起启动了“此刻化学”活动(Chemistry NOW project) 。这个活动以关于日常生活中化学的教育性视频和其他内容为特色。对于情人节,NBC learn 关注了巧克力中的化学,解释了我们对其如此难以抗拒的原因部分是因为它理想的熔化温度和情绪提升的化合物。
2011国际化学年(IYC2011)网站http://www.chemistry2011.org/
NBC Learn的网站地址 http://nbclearn.com/chemistry
原文链接: http://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/post.cfm?id=international-year-of-chemistry-kic-2011-02-14