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7 Jun 2011 15:01:04
Young budding scientists visited the University of Bedfordshire to celebrate Salters’ Day. The Division of Science welcomed some 36 local schoolchildren to the special event.
The Salters’ Festival of Chemistry, in partnership with the Salters’ Institute and the Royal Society of Chemistry for 11- to -13 year olds, was hosted by the University at its Luton campus.
Nine schools took part including three Luton schools – Challney High School for Boys and Community College, Challney High School for Girls and Cardinal Newman RC School.
Other schools attending were Alban Academy from Great Barford, Bedfordshire, Chiltern Way Federation from Wendover in Buckinghamshire, Hitchin Girls School, Nicholas Breakspear RC School from St Albans and Stanborough School from Welwyn Garden City in Herfordshire and The Cottesloe School from Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire.
Each team was represented by a team of four, 11-to-13 year olds.
Organiser Dr Bushra Ahmed, Principle Lecturer in Biochemistry from the University’s Division of Science, said: “This is the sixth year I have been involved in organising this event. I’m really pleased that science continues to be promoted this way and the children have a fantastic day at the University.”
First, second and third prizes were awarded for the two challenges which involved all the schools during the day.
For the Salters’ Challenge, The Cottesloe School won first place, Challney High School for Girls came second and Stanborough School was third.
For the University Challenge, Challney High School for Girls won first place, The Cottesloe School took second and Chiltern Way Federation was third.
As well as the challenges, Dr Peter Sutton from Nicholas Breakspear School gave a Chemical Magic demonstration before the prizegiving.
Nicola Davidson, a science teacher from Nicholas Breakspear School, said: “I’ve enjoyed the day’s presentations and experiments as much as the children and I’m going to try some of these fun activities back in the classroom”.
Tom Lamb, a science teacher from Alban Academy, said: “Our students really enjoyed taking part in the challenges. They’ve also asked me to repeat the experiments shown at the Chemical Magic Show for their classmates to see when we return. I find it very inspiring to see their enthusiasm for chemistry through events like this.”
The Salters’ Festivals of Chemistry is an initiative of the Salters’ Institute which aims to promote the appreciation of chemistry and related sciences among the young.
This event is one of 51 festivals taking place at universities throughout the UK and Ireland between March and June.
Latest news» 2011» June» University welcomes young scientists
