Chemical explosions, laser lights and luminous colour changes at the Salters’ Festival of Chemistry held at LSBU
School children from London and beyond enjoyed an exciting day of chemistry challenges and experiments at the Salters' Festival of Chemistry held at London South Bank UniversityOver 60 students from 16 schools around London, Surrey and Kent donned lab coats and goggles as they enjoyed a fun-filled day of science challenges at the Salters' Festival of Chemistry. The festival was hosted by the School of Applied Sciences at London South Bank University (LSBU).
The Salters' Festival of Chemistry is an initiative of The Salters' Institute, whose aim is to promote chemistry and related sciences amongst the young.
Each school was represented by a team of four 11-13 year olds who were tasked with competing against each other in a series of fun challenges throughout the day.
During the morning, the teams took part in a competitive, hands-on, practical activity, 'The Salters' Challenge' where they were presented with a forensic investigation case entitled 'Trouble at the Salt Mine'. In the afternoon, the pupils competed in the 'University Challenge' where they were tasked with developing a chemical clock. The challenge was then followed by a fun 'chemical magic' demonstration involving optical illusions, explosions and luminous colour changes.
Dr Anne-Maria Brennan, Principal Lecturer in Bioscience and Forensic Science at LSBU, said: "We are delighted to host the Salters' Festival of Chemistry at LSBU for the fifteenth year running.
"Chemistry plays an important part in our everyday life, from the food we eat, the clothes we wear, to the fuel we use. We are attempting to bring the subject of chemistry to life so the pupils have the chance to experience, first hand, the power and excitement of chemistry.
"It's wonderful to see pupils interest of chemistry come alive by taking part in the competitive challenges they were set throughout the day. We truly hope that this will be the start of a lifelong love for chemistry and that they consider a career in the sciences in the future."
The action-packed day ended with a prize giving session at which all participants were given individual prizes and the winning team was awarded a grand prize for their school.
The festival held at LSBU is one of a series of 49 festivals which are taking place at universities and colleges throughout the UK between March and June 2015.