Mid Scotland Top of the Bench 2009

Although two teams had to withdraw at the last minute, this was another exciting night as teams from 10 schools battled it out to be crowned Mid Scotland Top of the Bench 2009.  Their mission was to investigate the effect of concentration on rate of reaction using the iodide/thiosulphate/hydrogen peroxide "clock reaction", tabulating and then graphing their results.  Using a "best fit" line on their graph, they then had to determine the amount of water to add in order to get reaction times of 20 and 45 seconds respectively and finally to demonstrate these times to the judges.

It was a very close fought contest with the result in the balance right up to the final mark being announced. The winners were Graeme High School, Falkirk, with Dollar Academy second and Braes High School, Falkirk,  third, just one point behind.

Congratulations to all who took part - it was great to see so many budding chemists demonstrating such enthusiasm, expertise and hard work.  We hope that perhaps this may have inspired many of them to pursue chemistry as a main part of their future studies.  Thanks to all the volunteers who made the event possible, especially the judges and Victor at the College who prepared all the solutions and equipment as well as setting the whole thing up on the night along with Martin and Frank.

You can download copies of the Task Booklet, the Lab Report Booklet that were given to the pupils using the links below.

Our thanks also to all our sponsors without whose generosity we would be unable to stage this event but especially to Syngenta, our main sponsor, and to Forth Valley College who not only provide a major prize but also give us the free use of their laboratories.