A family-friendly ‘takeover’ event at Aberdeen Science Centre will be among a host of activities to be held in the city over the coming weeks in an annual celebration of the chemical sciences.
The city’s two universities are teaming up with the science centre for Chemistry Week, an initiative organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) where society members organise activities that promote chemical sciences to the public.
Activities get underway on Saturday, November 24 with the science centre takeover allowing families to try their hands at real chemistry, with exciting experiments including the chance to make a volcano, and a spectacular ‘flashes and bangs’ show. No booking is required for the event, which takes place from 10am to 4pm.
On Wednesday, November 28 school teams from across the north of Scotland will compete in ‘Top of the Bench’, a hands-on experimental challenge taking place at the University of Aberdeen.
This is followed by a lecture taking place at RGU on Monday, December 3rd, where local schoolchildren will hear from Dr Peter Hoare from the University of Newcastle, who will lead a discussion on ‘Colourful Chemistry’.
The schools engagement activity will culminate on Monday, December 17, with a ‘flashes and bangs’ event at the University of Aberdeen led by Dr Alan McCue, that will include demonstrations such as the ‘screaming jelly baby’, test-tube fireworks, reactive gases and an unusual oscillating colour change reaction.
Professor Marcel Jaspars from the University of Aberdeen is among the team from the RSC’s Aberdeen and North Scotland section who have helped organise activities.
He said: “RSC Chemistry Week is a great opportunity for people in the local community to learn all about chemistry through a series of fun activities, and together with our partners we are looking forward to demonstrating how chemistry is relevant and present in everyday life.”
Dr Graeme Kay, from RGU’s School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, commented: “It is always a pleasure to work with our colleagues across the city to promote Chemistry to young people in the community.
“At RGU, we are delighted to be involved with this year’s Royal Society of Chemistry ‘Chemistry Week’ and also to host the ‘Colourful Chemistry’ lecture by Peter Hoare, which I am sure will be enjoyed by all who see it.”
Liz Hodge, CEO at Aberdeen Science Centre, added: “Aberdeen Science Centre is delighted to host the Chemistry Week Takeover event and this has added significance for us as it is the first event in our new temporary venue at 107 George Street.”