Scientists of the future visit Chemistry Camp at University
Posted on 13 August 1999
The camps involve workshops on forensic science, glass blowing, making medicines and understanding the chemistry of the sun. All are real-life problems to enable the visitors to see how chemistry is applied in situations as varied as pharmacy, murder investigations and keeping drinks cool in wine bars.
The University of York pioneered these camps last year and has had a long relationship in science education with the Salters' Company. The camp will be run by Dr Annie Hodgson of the University's Chemistry Department. She will be assisted by six teachers and six postgraduate students.
Mrs Annelise Nunn, Development Director of the Salters' Institute of Industrial Chemistry said: "The successful partnership between the Salters' and the University of York has evolved over many years. One of our joint aims is to enable young people to capture the fun of chemistry and this camp provides an excellent opportunity."
Notes to editors:
- Reporters and photographers are welcome to visit the camp on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday morning between 10 and 12 noon. Please contact Annie Hodgson on 01904 433022 for further details.
- The Chemistry Camps are supported by the Chemical Education Group (CEG) and underwritten by the Salters' Institute of Industrial Chemistry (see below) and the Royal Society of Chemistry. In addition the Office of Science and Technology, Pfizer and The Analytical Chemistry Trust Fund are making major contributions. The camps aim to encourage young people at this key age when they are beginning to choose subjects to study post-16, to capture the fun of chemistry and thereby:
- motivate them to develop an awareness and long-term interest in chemistry which will encourage them to continue learning;
- encourage greater scientific literacy.
- The Camps scheme follows on from the highly successful Salters' Chemistry Club which encourages schools to establish chemistry clubs for 11-14 year olds and enter one of the regional Salters' Festivals of Chemistry culminating in a Grand Final at York in 2000. Over the last 7 years 8,000 young people from over 600 schools have participated in the Club which has been supported by over 200 industrial companies.
- The CEG consists of the Presidents and Chief Executives of the nine professional institutions and trade associations most closely concerned with chemistry education. It was set up in 1991 following a major seminar on the support of chemistry teaching held at Salters' Hall in 1990 by the Salters' Institute. The seminar identified a clear need for closer collaboration and for developing a collective action between the institutions and companies in support of chemistry teaching. The Members are:
- The Association of British Pharmaceutical Industries
- The Association of Science Education
- Chemical Industries Association
- Institution of Chemical Engineers
- The Royal Institution
- The Royal Society
- The Royal Society of Chemistry
- The Salters' Institute of Industrial Chemistry
- Society of Chemical Industry
- The Salters' Institute of Industrial Chemistry is the flagship charity of The Salters' Company which celebrated its 80th birthday in 1998. The Institute aims to support chemistry teaching, encourage young people to pursue careers in the UK chemical and related industries and encourage scientific literacy amongst young people. The Institute's major projects include Salters' Science Courses, The Salters' Chemistry Club, Chemistry Camps, The Chemical Education Group and Prizes.
Miss Justine Whitfield, Camps Administrator, Salters' Hall, Fore Street, London, EC2Y 5DE Tel: 0171 588 5216 Fax: 0171 638 3679
E-mail: camps@salters.co.uk