Bringing Chemistry to life outside the classroom

Inspiring young minds

Chemistry, always struggled with this one at school, I used to have sleepless nights trying to remember the periodic table before a big test and I still couldn't tell you what the symbol for Seaborgium is. Chemistry is the science of matter and is often described as the central science because its links biology and physics. The modern practices of Chemistry can be dated back to the Ancient Egyptians, and by 1000BC civilisations were developing techniques that demonstrated an understanding of chemical reactions such as producing medicines from plants, extracting metals from ore and fermentation.

Chemistry in the class room doesn't need to be about trawling through text books or trying to memorise the periodic table, practical activities are fun and help motivate pupils to learn and enjoy the subject. I can certainly remember those basic chemistry experiments such as igniting magnesium (so it burns with a bright white flame!) and removing the tarnish from a 2 penny piece, so why not take these sorts of experiences outside the confines of the school lab.

There are some fantastic Science centres in the UK that offer materials and properties demonstrations and engaging work shops designed to inspire future scientists, and by taking your class on such school trips you'll not only be the cool science teacher but you may also encourage the scientists of tomorrow to pursue Chemistry as a career path.

popular in October 2021 !

Teacher training, CPD and INSET

We are always happy to share our scientific knowledge, experiences and understanding of the value of hands-on science education, higher order scientific thinking, skills and career opportunities for Inset days or teacher training.

The Art of Hands-On, Inclusive Science Teaching! Teachers always love coming into the dome! Join us for a morning master class in Space, Light and all things physics to get to grips with some of the amazing science and promote the scientific way of thinking to support the scientists of the future feeling that Science is exciting, fun, relevant and aspriational! This session is all about asking questions, gathering ideas, resources and inspiration for how a Space topic can be used to create inpsiration for your students across many areas of the curriculum. Depending on your time, we'd love to bring a collection of hands-on demonstrations that can be re-created in the classroom. Alonsgide a briefing on the principles behind the demos, this is a chance to practice running some simple,...