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Chemistry works for children at Teesside

28 June 2001

 

Around 1,000 potential young scientists will be making a beeline for the University of Teesside over three days from July 3-5 as part of the Chemistry at Work.

The event, sponsored by the Royal Society of Chemistry, is for 14 and 15 year-olds from 21 schools throughout Teesside, County Durham and North Yorkshire.

Organised by the Teesside Chemical Initiative Science Education Unit, the events include the following on Wednesday 4 July in the University’s Innovation and VR Centre (off Stephenson Street, Middlesbrough) which the media may like to attend.

"Ballooning with Branson" - the manufacture of Polyester Film, the process of 'metallisation' of the film, plus its bonding to nylon to make the 12 miles of film required for the Virgin Atlantic Balloon, presented by ex-ICI man Dave Morris. From 9.30-11.30am and 1-3pm, Room 1.69

"Scientific Methods in Crime Scene Investigations"- learning how to pick up clues in the scene of a burglary or other crime and how to look for and use physical evidence, presented by Principal Lecturer Julie Mennell, University of Teesside. From 9.30-11.30am and 1-3pm, Room 1.73.

"Explosions" - a demonstration of explosions, how they occur and how the methods of generating and controlling useful explosions have developed. There will be some very loud bangs, presented by Dr Cliff Ludman, University of Durham. Innovation Centre Lecture Theatre at 11.30-12.00 and 3-3.30pm.

"The Temperature is Rising" - discovering how global warming happens and What are the latest predications? What are the likely consequences? What steps are being taken to reduce the impact - both nationally and internationally? What can you do to help? This presentation by Avril Crothers and Paul Currey, DuPont Nylon (UK) Limited, will consider the effect of man's activities on the environment. Room 1.68 from 9.30-11am.

Leila Elliott, the Teesside Chemical Initiative Science Education Unit Team Leader, said: "The purpose of the event is to develop and enhance school and industrial science links and show young people the relevance of the science they learn in schools to the workplace Aimed at Year Nine and Year Ten pupils, the event would not be possible without the invaluable inputs from our University and chemical company presenters."

Sandra Joyce, from the University of Teesside’s School of Science and Technology, said: “Chemistry at Work is now one of the most popular events aimed at school children in the University calendar and we are delighted to be playing host again this year to a wide range of exciting activities, which we hope will encourage school students to continue their study of science beyond GCSE and A’levels.”


 
 
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