Food additives, chemistry demonstrations and blood samples at Teesside

More than 700 local secondary school pupils will be transformed into young scientists at the University of Teesside this week.

The annual Chemistry at Work event takes place from Tuesday 4 – Thursday 6 July, giving local 14 – 15 year olds the opportunity to explore the use of chemistry and science in the workplace and everyday life.  The school children will take part in a wide range of practical sessions run by local and international chemical firms, hospitals, councils and the University of Teesside. 

Sessions include:

• Forensic dye analysis – a University of Teesside team of forensic scientists will carry out a presentation explaining the use of dyes in assessing evidence
• Unsavoury food additives – Durham County Council Scientific Services Department explores the contaminates which can sometimes find their way into our food
• Microbes, medicines and biotechnology – Avecia Biotechnology explains how microbes are used to create treatments for illnesses
• Liquid nitrogen – BOC Gases illustrates the freezing capabilities of the chemical in this demonstration
• Iron and steel – Corus takes the children through the creation and uses of these essential metals
• Blood samples and common diseases – a North Tees University Hospital team examine blood diseases, their causes and treatments
• Chemistry demonstrations  - Geoff Bell, North East Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC ) consultant will perform a range of exciting and colourful chemical reactions 

Chemistry at Work is organised by NEPIC’s Science Education Unit and hosted at the University of Teesside.  It is sponsored by the Royal Society of Chemistry, Tees Valley Partnership, One North East and Learn2Work.

Leila Elliot, NEPIC Science Education Unit Manager, said: “Science is the key for a well informed, competitive and successful nation. Events like these are organised to enthuse our young people to consider science based studies and careers in the future. NEPIC is totally committed to attracting students to study science at school and university and join one of the many successful science companies in the North East.” 

Further details on NEPIC’s science education programme, together with developments in the science-based industries in the region, can be seen at www.nepic.co.uk.

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