Discover Spectroscopy

Discover Spectroscopy is a schools-outreach activity being developed as part of the Discover Chemistry partnership.

Based on the Chemistry for our Future activity Spectroscopy in a Suitcase, Discover Spectroscopy is a complimentary project which will take equipment out of the university environment and into schools in the East of England region.

The project aims to introduce practical-based analysis activities for both GCSE and A-level students covering topics such as spectroscopy and chromatography as well as an introduction to 3D visualisation of molecules.

State-of-the-art equipment (FT-IR, UV-Vis spectrometer, UV-viewing cabinet) has been purchased specifically for this programme, from the University of East Anglia, and programmes are delivered to the schools by outreach ambassadors drawn from a pool of trained postgraduate students.

Students will be asked to solve a 'mysterious death in the lab' using the new techniques available to them. The challenging hands-on experiments give students the opportunity to learn about spectroscopy in an exciting context.

Additionally, students will be introduced to the concept of 3D visualisation. This will use visual aids to show that although molecules are drawn 'flat' or in 2D, they do have a 3D shape which must be considered.

To organise a Discover Spectroscopy event for your school (in the East of England), please contact the University of East Anglia.