Top of the Bench Competition for Secondary Schools - 9 November 2011

Each year teams from local secondary schools engage in a thought provoking practical challenge to determine who will be declared Top of the Bench and then go on to represent Mid Scotland at the UK National Finals.  

In 2010 the teams had to find the percentage of Copper in a 2p coin.  A coin had previously been dissolved in conc nitric acid and the resultant solution neutralised.  The amount of copper was determined by adding KI to release Iodine which was then titrated against standard Sodium Thiosulphate solution.

A new element, introduced for the first time, asked the schools to prepare a presentation about Copper in advance and to present it during the refreshment break.

The winners, Braes High School, went on to represent Mid Scotland at the National Finals.

In previous years teams have had to separate out a mystery ingredient from a complex mixture, nickel plate a penny (making their own electricity), measure the amount of iron in "Irn Bru"and even identify 6 unknown liquids using only the liquids themselves, a thermometer and pH paper.  

Last year's Task and Report booklets are available using the links below along with an invitation letter addressed to the teacher in charge of Chemistry and a Team Sheet

This event is sponsored very generously by the local chemical industry, Syngenta in particular, and Forth Valley College with valuable prizes to be won by the pupils for themselves and their school.