Get Ready for National Chemistry Week 2026: Chemistry Under Construction!

By AACT on August 10, 2026

National Chemistry Week  (NCW) is a public awareness campaign that promotes the value of chemistry in everyday life. We encourage teachers and students to get involved and celebrate the 2026 NCW theme "Chemistry Under Construction." From concrete to steel, stone to glass, chemistry is everywhere in construction. This year, NCW is celebrated during the week of October 18–24. It's never too early to start planning your celebration! Find classroom resources and ways to participate below - and check back here for updates and new resources as we get closer to NCW in October.

Content Development Opportunity: NCW Lesson Plan Contest

AACT is excited to offer a content writing opportunity for K–12 teachers of chemistry! The contest is open to current AACT members. Participants will submit their idea for an exciting and unique lesson plan related to the 2026 National Chemistry Week (NCW) theme “Chemistry Under Construction.” Use your creativity and submit your lesson idea by August 31st for a chance to win a $200 gift card and NCW goody bag! Submission ideas will be reviewed on a rolling basis - submit your idea early for more time to work on your lesson ahead of NCW.

See Guildelines and Submit Your Lesson Idea

Check back in the fall for winners and links to the new resources!

AACT Resources

There are many AACT classroom resources that can be used to celebrate NCW and help students learn about the chemistry of construction:

In addition, find ChemMatters articles in the archive that examine chemistry's role in construction:

Other ACS Resources

Check out the NCW webpage for all things NCW! Some highlights include: