Young scientists will take part in an action packed day at the University of Aberdeen tomorrow, Wednesday, 31 March 2004.
Fifty-six pupils from 14 schools across the North and North-East of Scotland are participating in the Salters' Festival of Chemistry being held at the University. Schools will be represented by teams of four 11 to 13 year olds.
During the morning the teams will take part in a competitive, hands-on, practical activity. "The Salterstown Mystery" will see pupils turn detective and use chemical tests to solve a murder mystery.
In the afternoon, they will compete in the "University Challenge" - another practical activity where pupils will carry out more laboratory experiments.
This will be followed by a fun lecture, given by Dr Donald Macphee, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry, which will involve lots of coloured reactions and a few flashes and bangs.
The day will end with a prize-giving where the winning teams will be awarded cash prizes for their schools and all participants will be given individual fun prizes and participation certificates.
It's the fourth Festival of its kind to take place at the University of Aberdeen. Organiser Dr Mary Masson, Department of Chemistry, said: "I'm looking forward to welcoming the pupils for what should be a really interesting and fun-filled day."
The Salters' Festivals of Chemistry are an initiative of The Salters' Institute, whose aim is to promote the appreciation of chemistry and related sciences among the young. The Festival taking place at the University of Aberdeen is one of a series of 47 Festivals which are taking place at universities throughout the UK and Ireland between March and June 2004.
