Summer fun with chemistry at the China Science Festival
We enthused and engaged more than 25,000 children and adults with chemistry throughout the first China Science Festival that took place in Beijing between 18 July and 3 August.
Organised by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), the aim of the 17-day long event was to raise an interest in science and technology among the general public. Following our bid, the UK was selected as the invited theme country, and we worked together with the British Embassy to put together a showcase of UK Science and Technology from exhibitors in universities and industries.
Visitors to our Chemistry is Colourful stand, had a chance to explore a variety of activities connected to our chemistry and art theme. From using diffraction grating glasses and ‘magic’ hydrophobic sands to trying out thermochromic experiments or watching our Global Experiment in action on screen, the activities offered everyone a chance to experience some hands-on chemistry.
Beijing Local Section offers 'Fun with Chemistry'
In addition, Beijing Local Section members and an enthusiastic team of volunteer demonstrators from Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing Royal School and Dulwich College Beijing operated a complementary Fun with Chemistry laboratory that offered visitors a chance to conduct hands-on experiments. These included using red cabbage indicator, making polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) slime and alginate worms, and carrying out our 2013 Global Experiment of measuring vitamin C.
The use of a range of different household materials highlighted the close connection between chemistry and our everyday lives. Throughout the event, the laboratory was very popular, with eager children and their parents patiently lining up in long queues to be able to carry out the experiments.
In addition, the Chair of the Beijing Local Section, Professor David Evans, was invited to co-chair the opening ceremony at which he performed a Chemical Magic double act with well-known professional magician, Liu Shijie (Mr Black).
