Seventy-two students from 18 schools in the South West will enjoy a fun-filled day of chemistry at the Salters' Festival of Chemistry taking place at Bristol University's School of Chemistry tomorrow [Tuesday 22 March].  Each school will be represented by a team of four 11- to 13-year-olds.

During the morning the teams will take part in a competitive, hands-on, practical activity, 'Salty's Challenge' in which they will use their analytical skills.  In the afternoon, they will compete in the 'University Challenge', a practical activity chosen by the university in which they will be required to investigate the rate at which a chemical reaction takes place. 

This will be followed by a fun lecture by Dr Chris Wormald on 'Astonishing Chemical Reactions'.

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

The Salters' Festivals of Chemistry is an initiative of The Salters' Institute, whose aim is to promote the appreciation of chemistry and related sciences among the young.  The University of Bristol Festival is one of a series of 48 such events taking place at universities throughout the UK and Ireland.

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