Pupils learn forensics at Festival of Chemistry

Press release issued: 17 May 2010

Around sixty students from schools in the South West will have the chance to try their hand at forensic-style chemistry at the Salters' Festival of Chemistry held at the University of Bristol today [Monday 17 May 2010].

Each school will be represented by a team of four 11-13 year olds, who will take part in a competitive, hands-on, practical activity, entitled ‘The Mysterious Death of Captain Salter’, in which they will use their analytical chemistry skills. During the day they will compete in practical activity entitled ‘University Challenge’ in which they will be asked to analyse materials and control how fast a reaction takes place. This will be followed by a fun lecture, by Dr Alison Rivett involving liquid nitrogen, carbon dioxide and a few minor explosions!

The day will end with a prize-giving event at which all participants will be given prizes and participation certificates, and the winning teams awarded prizes for their schools.

The Salters' Festivals of Chemistry are an initiative of The Salters' Institute, whose aim is to promote the appreciation of chemistry and related sciences among the young. The Festival at the University is one of a series of fifty-one Festivals taking place at universities throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland between March and June 2010.

The Institute is delighted that the Royal Society of Chemistry is again working in partnership with it for the Festivals this year.

Further information

The Festivals are one-day events for schools held at Universities throughout the UK and Ireland. In 2010 there will be a series of 51 Festivals being hosted by 41 universities between March and June. The aim of the Festivals is to make chemistry more exciting, more relevant and fun to students aged 11 to 13 years and to encourage schools to set up their own chemistry clubs.

Please contact Steve Croker for further information.