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4 Jun 2007 10:41:01
Students from local secondary schools enjoyed a fun-filled day of chemistry and science at the Salters' Festival held at the University of Bedfordshire last week. Each school was represented by a team of four 11-13 year olds.
“The annual event helps young students understand and enjoy chemistry and science,” said Head of Science at the University, Dr Neville Punchard.
One of the tasks involved schoolchildren dressing in white lab coats and
protective goggles to take part in a competitive, hands-on, practical activity ‘A Salty Tale’.
The task involved using their analytical chemistry skills to identify a metal found at a mock murder scene and on five suspects to discover who was at the scene. The students identified the metal using a flame test with a Bunsen burner.
The students competed in the “University Challenge”, a practical activity measuring the endothermic (heat absorbing) reaction between citric acid and sodium hydrogen carbonate to cause a temperature drop.
Neville said: “It was fantastic to see so many youngsters from around the region taking part with such enthusiasm. “They really enjoyed their day and it was good to see them using the bunsen burners and other scientific equipment so adeptly.
“It is vital to teach people from a young age the value of science. We are reliant as a society on the benefits science provides, and we need to continue to produce the experts of the future to keep moving technology forward.”
Dr Peter Sutton, from Lealands High School, provided a lecture entitled ‘Are you thinking’ which was designed to encourage the students to ask questions and challenge information presented to them in science lessons. After the talk, students were treated with a surprise visit from a snake and giant stick insect which they were invited to hold and learn more about.
The day ended with a prize-giving presentation where the St George’s students were awarded first prize in the ‘Salty Tale’ task, after correctly solving the murder mystery. They received £100 for the school and free goody bags.
The Festival at The University of Bedfordshire is one of a series of 55 Festivals which are taking place at Universities throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland between March and June 2007.
For more details on the range of Science courses offered
within the Division of Science, call the University of Bedfordshire on 01234
400 400.
Latest news» 2007» June» Local schools excel at uni chemistry festival
