University
The different features of fingerprints are discussed and students are shown how to identify whorls and loops etc. The chemical methods to enhance prints are discussed by a representative from a university forensic department.
An agricultural college investigates how light interacts with plants by showing the separation of plant pigments by chromatography and identifying them by their spectra. Why the pigments are coloured and the effect they have on health and nutrition are also discussed.
Technical staff demonstrate scientific glassblowing and show examples of the type of equipment manufactured. Liquid nitrogen production is explained and the properties of liquid are demonstrated.
The everyday use of polymers and their chemistry is explained and students get a chance to try their own polymer reaction - either to produce a thin thread of Nylon or to make a silicone rubber ball from water-glass.
Analytical chemists demonstrate ways of identifying the minerals present in spring water and how to identify mysterious colourless liquids.
The use and development of dry reagent chemistry is explained and some of the different dry reagent strips now available are shown. Applications of the technology are discussed including tests that can be bought over the counter in pharmacists such as pregnancy tests and glucose-monitoring tests.
Demonstrations are given of how colour can be used in chemical analysis and students try some fun colour chemistry experiments for themselves.
Basic principles behind flotation as a means to separate and recover a mineral are explained and demonstrated.
Some of the chemistry that allows us to make cheese is explained and some of the tests performed throughout the modern process are described.
Researchers host an interactive discussion looking at the discovery of fullerenes and the chemistry they exhibit.
Various chemical techniques used in forensic science are available for students to try including fingerprint examination, identification of blood and drugs, document examination and the analysis of ink samples.
Various water pollutants are discussed and the need for removal of chemical dyes (colours) from waste streams is explained. The various methods available are discussed.
DNA is explained and its use in identification - the genetic fingerprint. Students try their hand at solving a crime using what they have learnt about DNA.
The chemistry of acids is explained and the beneficial role that acids play in our foods is discussed and demonstrated.
The various careers open to chemists are presented including those outside the laboratory. The emerging field of genetic manipulation and how chemists are involved is also discussed.
The chemistry applied to producing food packaging is described followed by a look at the use of plastics in drug delivery systems.
A range of analytical techniques is reviewed and students participate in practical exercises to demonstrate their use in forensic science and textile technology.
