Schools tackle chemistry challenge

Press release issued: 26 March 2003

72 students from 18 schools in the South West will enjoy a fun-filled day of chemistry at the Salters' Festival of Chemistry to be held at the university on Monday, March 31.

72 students from 18 schools in the South West will enjoy a fun-filled day of chemistry at the Salters' Festival of Chemistry to be held at the University of Bristol on Monday, March 31. Each school will be represented by a team of four 11- to 13-year-olds.

In the morning each of the teams will take part in a practical challenge in which they will become forensic scientists to solve a 'crime'. In the afternoon, they will compete in the 'University Challenge', a practical activity chosen by the university in which they will be required to investigate the rate at which a chemical reaction takes place.

This will be followed by a fun lecture by Dr Peter Timms, Senior Research Fellow in Chemistry involving fireworks and 'colourful' chemistry.

The day will end with a prize giving at which the winning teams will be awarded cash prizes for their schools and individual prizes for each team member.

The Salters' Festivals of Chemistry is an initiative of The Salters' Institute, whose aim is to promote the appreciation of chemistry and related sciences among the young. The University of Bristol Festival is one of a series of 45 such events taking place at universities across the UK and Ireland.