Pupils converge for chemistry at work

Nearly 400 secondary pupils and 23 teachers from 11 different North East schools explore the world of practical science at Teesside University.

They join a three-day Chemistry at Work event organised by the North East Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC) and sponsored by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Companies from business, education and emergency services deliver practical chemistry related demonstrations and presentations to the pupils. These include Cleveland Fire Brigade, Avecia Biotechnology, Cleveland Potash and Northumbrian Water. Their diverse subjects range from forensic chemistry to diabetes and clinical drug trials.

Chemistry is important in everyday life Dr Joe McGinnis, a senior lecturer in the School of Science & Engineering, is one of the University’s staff who is working with the pupils. He said: 'Chemistry plays an extremely important role in our everyday life, often in areas you might not think of. Most of the clothes we wear are made from synthetic fibres which are products of the chemical industry, and are coloured by synthetic dyes. Paints for cars, houses or aircraft contain all sorts of essential additives to protect against corrosion and weathering, as well as pigments which must remain stable throughout decades of exposure to the sun’s rays; these are also products of the chemical industry.

'Without a detailed understanding of the chemistry of just one element (silicon) there would be no computers, no internet and no mobile phones. This event allows pupils to see how chemistry is involved in a wide range of different industries, and hopefully inspire many of them to pursue their study of a subject which will provide them with many fascinating opportunities for a future career.'

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