Chemistry Camp at Cambridge University.

A select group of Year 10 Chemistry students were given a glimpse into the possibilities of their futures when they attended a Salters Chemistry Camp at Cambridge University towards the end of last term.

The course involved the students in highly explorative work both in terms of theory and practical work. They were guided and supported in this by post-graduates and staff from the university. All the students found the experience to be extremely challenging and motivating and you can read a number of their comments about the camp below.

‘Between the 10th and 12th of July this year we went to Cambridge University for a Chemistry camp that was held there. We stayed for two nights in Churchill College, a fairly modern college when compared to the 13th century colleges that dot around Cambridge. We had four experiments to do which varied in difficulty but were all very enjoyable and interesting to carry out. The experiments were from the undergraduate work which is the work that people just starting out at Cambridge would have done.

On the first night we had a talk from the well-renowned lecturer, Peter Wothers, who hosted the 2012 Christmas Lectures. He gave a talk on how elements came to have the names they do and their properties. It was really interesting and was something that both of us thoroughly enjoyed.

On the second night we had a tour of Cambridge which was fascinating. We got to see several different colleges such as the Kings College and we even had the opportunity to go inside one of the colleges, Caius College. We were guided by an undergraduate who had kindly volunteered to come and show us the city.

The four practicals we did included making paints, experimenting with exothermic reactions that give out light, making them glow in the dark which was amazing. We got to see oscillating reactions and clockwork reactions where the colour of the substance would constantly change. We then had to do an experiment using what we had learnt to try and make the reaction take place at certain time intervals. This was difficult but when it worked it looked awesome.

With each experiment we had to work with a new partner which allowed us to meet new people who we are still in touch with today.

All in all, we had a highly enjoyable time at the camp and would recommend it to any students in the lower years who might get the chance to apply for it. It taught us a lot about how Chemistry is used in the world and also the kind of pressures university students are put under when carrying out experiments.’
Luis Dibdin and Mathew Clark-Wheeler

‘Earlier this year, in July, I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to stay for two nights at Bath University as part of the Salters’ Chemistry Camp scheme. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience, as it gave me a great insight into university life and broadened my knowledge of Chemistry. I also met a lot of new people, many of whom I am still in contact with. The university’s laboratories were fantastic and the exciting practicals we carried out allowed me to use equipment and chemicals I had never before heard of! The university staff and post graduates were especially welcoming and offered a great deal of knowledge to aid my understanding of the experiments. As well as being a brilliant opportunity to meet new friends and experience university life, the camp made me realise what a fundamental part Chemistry plays in the real world. ‘
Alice Ritchie Year 11

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