Turning chemistry into magic
Eight scientists delivered chemistry-based activities in Byker Community Centre.
By Michael Smith
The team was helped by four "Kemical Kids", who had attended previous pilot events and qualified as Science Assistants. Some chemistry themed art sessions were run alongside to allow the children partaking in experiments to record their activities in a fun way.
Three youth workers from "Clowning Around" supported the project which saw twenty-six different children aged between four and fourteen attend an activity either on one day or usually to return for more during the rest of the week!
Two young women aged 12 and 13 – supported by mum – ran a slime table… as you might imagine trying to explain the chemistry of slime to excited children was a slippery process. Slime was voted favourite at last year's project alongside the popular volcano building so we always have those two on hand!
In fact, we knew this whole event would be popular due to feedback from earlier Chemistry extravaganzas in previous years – not to mention a huge amount of badgering from kids on the estate, they have never forgotten!
Stephen acted as our technician and kept the scientists all in order – helping them to set up the experiments and stay safe while Tom, our photographer, took pictures of the children doing experiments – that’s if he could get the parents out of the way!
Rachael from 'Geordie Facepainting' worked non-stop each day painting both children and adults with science themed designs she created especially for the occasion.
During the week young adults from The Prince’s Trust joined in as volunteers, helping the younger children and generally being at the beck and call of the "mad scientists". One Trust member, Ethan, especially enjoyed flying rockets loaded with water bombs ...outside of course!
None of this would have happened without the generous support of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Outreach Fund – Byker is a deprived area and cash strapped community centres simply can’t afford to provide events of this nature.
We carried out various chemistry experiments, including the chemistry of baking powder. We put vinegar in bottles, poured in baking powder then covered the tops with balloons and watched as our balloons blew up with carbon dioxide. We then added food colouring to the baking powder and poured vinegar over the top, creating beautiful bubbles.
One of our Kemical Kids, Lillie Brodie – aged 11 – said: "I helped Stu mix the baking experiments and also [Kitt] with the Lava stuff. The baking was the best."
A major part of the legacy following this event are the discussions with Success For All as they are keen to start a STEM club for the children of the Byker estate in our community centre – judging from the success of this weeks event they will have no shortage of attendees. This will be provided at no cost to the children who attend.
Ben – one of the scientists at the sessions – works as an engineer for a local organisation that trains people to make and fix wind turbines. We introduced him to the course leaders with the Prince’s Trust as he is willing to work with them to offer placements, training and potential employment to the young people who attend the Prince’s Trust course.
All at Byker Community Centre would like to say a big thank you to all the scientists and their assistants (well done Kemical Kids), The Princes Trust, all the volunteers especially those behind the scenes without whom nothing would ever get done, Aly as prime motivator and organiser, the parents for getting out of Tom’s way when taking photographs, The RSC for all their support and finally and most importantly to the children of Byker who turned chemistry into magic.
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