School Children Challenged to Try their Hands at Forensic Science

Posted on: 13 May 2011

Seventy-six secondary school students from 19 schools across Ireland descended on Trinity College’s School of Chemistry recently to try their hand at forensic science as part of the 2011 Salters’ Festival of Chemistry run in partnership with the Royal Society of Chemistry.    Throughout the course of the day, the 12-14-year-olds took part in competitions that tested their analytical chemistry skills and were treated to a noisy and colourful demonstration of numerous chemical reactions.

In the morning the children were challenged to a game of ‘Chemical Cluedo’ where they worked in teams of four to solve the crime of who murdered Captain Salter by using forensic science techniques such as chromatography and analysed evidence collected from the crime scene.  In the afternoon the students took part in the ‘University Challenge’ which tested students’ scientific knowledge.  Through a number of hands-on, practical activities using Bunsen burners and other laboratory equipment the students used the information they had learnt from a study of various acids and bases to decipher the exact chemical recipe necessary to produce a range of coloured solutions.

Students conduct experiments at TCD as part of the Salters’ Festival of Chemistry.

Speaking about the event, lecturer in Chemistry Dr Eoin Scanlan said: “The Salters’ Festival allows students to participate in fun, hands-on practical activities in a university environment.  It is a great opportunity to get young people interested in chemistry and highlight the very practical applications it has in all of our lives.”

The children also attended a lecture by teacher John Daly from Blackrock College called ‘Flashes and Bangs’ who demonstrated to the students the reactions that can occur when various substances are combined.  The day concluded with a prize giving ceremony where all students received prizes and certificates.  Taking first prize in the ‘Chemical Cluedo’ challenge was Notre Dame School, Dundrum.  St Dominic’s Secondary School, Ballyfermot took second prize and the High School Rathgar took third.  The ‘University Challenge’ was won by Rathdown School, Glenageary.  Second place went to St Raphaela’s Secondary School, Blackrock, while third place was won by Our Lady’s, Terenure.

The Salters’ Festivals of Chemistry, which aims to encourage young students to explore the fun of chemistry and highlight its practical applications, are an initiative of the Salters’ Institute.  The Salters’ Institute endeavours to promote the appreciation of chemistry and related sciences among young people.  The Festival at Trinity College Dublin is one of 53 events which are taking place at universities throughout the UK and Ireland between March and June 2011.  Trinity College’s School of Chemistry has hosted the annual event for over 17 years.