Chemistry Week success in Scotland
Chemistry Week
The newly revived Aberdeen and North Scotland Local Section ran events in Aberdeen and Shetland over the course of the week, with over 350 people taking part. Marcel Jaspars, of the University of Aberdeen, reports.
As the northernmost Chemistry Week activity, teacher Ronnie MacLean organised an event at Mid Yell Primary, Shetland for P5/6/7 where the pupils made bath bombs.
The pupils really enjoyed it with overheard comments being very positive:
"It was amazing I loved it thank you!"
"I think it was really good fun. Thanks for doing it with us."
Further south, in Aberdeen, three events took place, kicked off with a lecture by Professor James Grieve from the University of Aberdeen on ‘Elements of Forensic Pathology’, which covered the various uses of chemistry in solving crimes. James showed plenty of examples, always with respect for the victims uppermost, and showed his passion for justice for the victims and obtaining closure for their loved ones.
A schools poster competition was held at the Robert Gordon University on the topic of 'Local Science Goes Global' for students in S2/3. There were some excellent entries on the topics of catalysis, pollution and medicine, with the first prize of £100 going to Albyn School, Aberdeen. Laura and Claire from Albyn designed the winning poster entitled 'Medicine'.
On the Saturday of Chemistry Week the local section arranged a 'Takeover' of Aberdeen Science Centre, where undergraduate and postgraduate students had developed five chemistry-based hands-on activities such as 'super bouncy balls', 'magic writing' and 'vinegar volcanoes'. Over 250 people took part in the event and feedback was extremely positive. Young scientists enjoyed wearing labcoats and goggles to carry out some exciting science.
Dr Alan McCue and Dr Laurent Trembleau, both from the University of Aberdeen, gave a 'Flashes and bangs' show several times that day to packed audiences, showing how to get energy out of a jelly baby and how to make fireworks. At the end of the day the 25 students who took part in the event were gratified by the excitement shown by the children taking part, making all the effort worthwhile.
Chemistry Week
Chemistry Week is an annual celebration of the chemical sciences, centred around our members sharing their passion with public audiences. In 2017 it took place from 20–26 November, and the theme was 'Global Science'. Members were able to apply for grants from our Outreach Fund to organise activities.
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