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Science Success for The Friary |
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Success for The Friary at the Annual Salter’s and Royal Society of Chemistry Festival of Chemistry!
On Wednesday morning four excited pupils: Sara Kemp, Stella Welfare, Ella Sykes and Maria Puchala-Verney set off for Aston University with Miss Macdonald to compete in the Annual Salter’s and Royal Society of Chemistry Festival of Chemistry.
On arrival they were greeted by Doctor Gareth Griffiths who gave us a tour of the laboratory where they would be working. After a brief introduction, they started the first challenge which was a murder mystery showcasing their forensic chemistry skills. They had to solve a crime using chromatography and salt analysis techniques using the equipment and instruction they were given and with no help from their teacher.
They seemed very calm and were organised in their approach and created excellent chromatograms whilst being watched carefully by the judges looking for team work and safe practice. They finished with time to write up their forensics report.
After lunch, they were back in the Chemistry Laboratory for the University Challenge: a practical challenge involving fabric dyeing with a twist! Once again they could not ask for help, but I observed our relaxed but organised team using wax, dyes and all sorts of giant beakers of chemicals to solve this challenge!
After a fun filled lecture watching dancing raisins, liquid nitrogen, dry ice and ether fire, they waited for the prize winners to be announced. They were thrilled when they realized they had won first place in the University Challenge!
Very well done Sara, Stella, Ella and Maria! It was a pleasure to accompany you to Aston University and I commend you on your proficient, organised and logical approach to the challenges.
Miss N Macdonald
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