Schools compete in chemistry festival at Queen Mary University of London

QMUL hosted the Salters' Festival of Chemistry on Wednesday 11 May in which 68 students from 17 schools* completed a number of science challenges.

Each school was represented by teams of four pupils aged from 11 to 13 years old who started the event by using their analytical chemistry and deductive skills to solve the crime “Murder comes to Salterstown”.

The students saw a flash-bang demonstration titled “Chemistry is Kool” using liquid nitrogen and dry ice in a fun lecture given by Dr Tippu Sheriff from QMUL’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. They were intrigued to see the effect of cooling various everyday objects down to -196 °C, including an inflated balloon and even air, which enabled the students to see liquid oxygen.

After lunch the students took part in the University Challenge known as “Technician Trouble” which required them to identify five different unknown colourless liquids.

The day ended with a prize giving ceremony where all participants were given individual prizes and participation certificates, and the winning teams won prizes for their schools. Sydenham High School from south east London won first prize for the Salters’ Challenge and Bexley Grammar School from Kent won first prize for the University Challenge. Dr The Hon Alexander Todd, Member of the Salters' Company, presented the prizes to the winning teams.

Dr Tippu Sheriff said: “We feel honoured to host the annual Salters’ Festival of Chemistry at QMUL to showcase chemistry at the college. I was extremely impressed with all of the students that have taken part in the competition this year and I hope many of them will study chemistry at university and choose careers in scientific research.”

The Festival at QMUL is one of a series of 49 festivals which are taking place at Universities and Colleges throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland between March and June 2016.

The Salters' Festivals of Chemistry are an initiative of The Salters' Institute and the Royal Society of Chemistry, whose aim is to promote the appreciation of chemistry and related sciences among the young.

* Schools in attendance include Ashmole Academy in Southgate; Azhar Academy in Forest Gate; Bexley Grammar School in Welling; Clapton Girls' Academy in Hackney; Dagenham Park Church of England School in Dagenham; Drapers' Academy in Romford; Hammersmith Academy in Hammersmith; James Allen's Girls' School in Dulwich; Northwood College for Girls in Northwood; Oasis Academy Enfield in Enfield; Southbank International School in Westminster; St. Martha's Senior School in Barnet; St. Paul's Way Trust School in Hammersmith; Sydenham High School for Girls in Sydenham; The John Lyon School in Harrow; The William de Ferrers School in Chelmsford; Watford Grammar School for Girls in Watford; Westminster City School in London.