CHaOS - Mid Anglia Chemistry Week

Under the theme of "kNOw Chemistry", the 2005 RSC Chemistry Week provided the ideal opportunity to explore everyday chemistry, whilst spotlighting the wealth of talent in our often threatened universities.  Mid-Anglia Section, with the assistance of CHaOS (Cambridge Hands on Science) enabled around 800 members of the general public to be entertained, amazed and inspired.  CHaOS is a well established group of science under-graduates and graduates who dedicate their free-time to tour the UK and passionately promote science.  The age of the audience on Saturday 5th November ranged from 3 to 80 years old, with young children entered by face-painting, helium balloons and a juggler, and older children engaged in career based discussions.

 

The CHaOS philosophy is a simple one:  spark the scientific imagination of children and let them discover that science is fun.  As a pre-requisite, experiments must involve crashes, bangs and squelches with some added colour for a truly mesmerising day!  Around 12 experiments were stationed around the Cambridge university small exam hall, allowing CHaOS the opportunity to demonstrate to small groups of 5-10 children (and of course enthralled parents).  This approach allows for spontaneity, free discussion and adept tailoring of the science to match that age-group.

  

CHaOS activities

Each experiment is designed to minimise risks and therefore allow maximum, close contact exposure.  For example, chromatography can be simply and safely demonstrated using Smarties as dye sources and water as a "solvent".  Similarly, red cabbage can provide a startlingly good basis for a discussion on pH with addition of house-hold vinegar and baking-powder.  DNA can be extracted from kiwi fruit, and physical chemistry can be brought to life when surface tension is explained with a gigantic bubble maker.