British Science Week Blog

The experiments I performed included: use of a red cabbage to detect the pH of various liquids, using kitchen roll to demonstrate paper chromatography, using an indicator to show pH dilution, building an atom from a diagram, using lemon juice to create invisible ink and show oxidation, using a soil testing kit to show the key components of the fertiliser, and creating fake lungs to demonstrate how asthma works.

For the red cabbage experiment, I first performed this experiment in a youth group many years ago - and had gotten the idea from an experiment we did in school using the same materials, and thought it was a cost-effective way to interest people in science. I linked the experiment to the murder mystery/escape room theme by teaching a little about the pH scale - so that they could determine the substance that has a different pH rating than it should. The paper chromatography experiment was another experiment I took from school, though I added my own twist to it. Rather than simply demonstrating how different pens will have different chromatographs. I had the chromatographs of different pens compared from a not and match one of the pens to the note. An atom building kit was used, and a structural formula was provided and the atom has to be built, keeping in mind the number of bonds. I related this to the theme of the session by making the number of different atoms in the molecule that was built as a code for a locked box. The lemon juice was used for an experiment involving invisible ink, easily linked to the theme of the escape room - revealing a clue, and also used as an opportunity to display the effects of heat causing the lemon juice to oxidise at a much faster rate. The different components of fertiliser were displayed during an experiment with a soil test kit; containing tests for Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium. Potassium was a key part of the “investigation” and we used the soil test for potassium to see the abundance or lack of potassium in different soil samples taken from different ‘suspects’. Finally, there was a crafting activity for creating fake lungs that are affected by asthma. I thought a craft activity would be effective as a time filler and a cool-down task, and found the instructions online.

I did not complete the application on my own, I had a lot of support from Creative Stirling - especially Sam and Ryan. I filled out most of the budget for the application, after deciding on all the experiments that would be included and researching the materials and personal protective equipment and their costs. I also described what the experiments would include and teach to Sam, and she included what was relevant for the application.

During the planning and execution of the sessions, u had a massive amount of support from the staff at Creative Stirling - namely Sam, Ryan, and Jade - as well as support from LGBTYS. It was a valuable opportunity to read the risk assessment that Jade wrote up, and made me understand how they are made and how much work goes into them. Sam in particular - but all the staff and volunteers at Creative Stirling - encouraged me massively during the application and planning phases. I was ill and unable to attend what was intended to be the final planning session before I delivered the sessions - Ryan and Sam helped me immensely; doing a run-through to make sure all the experiments worked and made sense, as well as adding in extra clues and riddles to make the session even more valuable. As well as all that, instruction and information sheets were also made up for all the experiments by Jade - which was a massive weight off my shoulders - not wanting to just explain the experiments off the top of my head. Ryan and Sam also supported me in delivering the workshops, helping with the explanations and supporting both groups of young people who were doing the experiments at a staggered pace so I wasn't overwhelmed.

To prepare. I thought about the story of the session, and created ‘suspect profiles’ that were referred back to throughout the evening for their key information. I also connected all of the experiments to the suspects Commun different ways so I could show off a wide range of chemistry techniques and information.

I felt both of the sessions went well. The first night, it was a bit chaotic and loud, but the young people were engaged and having fun. Both groups of young people guessed the suspect correctly using the clues from various information sheets and experiments. The second night, the young people seemed quieter - but the session still went well, looking at all the experiments in detail.

I learned a lot from doing the British Science Week sessions, mostly building on existing knowledge I already had. The invisible ink experiment was particularly eye lightening, having never performed that experiment before, and I enjoyed experimenting with dilution during the transmissible disease task and working out how to make the experiment functional. I learned about different delivery styles as well; the way that Sam and Ryan were interacting with the young people was eye opening to see, how their approaches were different from each other and from myself.

I believe the experience and knowledge I have gained from planning and delivering these sessions will help me greatly in my future goal to be a youth worker. I got to see different delivery styles and different groups of young people, and gained valuable experience in planning - the risk assessment was particularly interesting. If nothing else, I have certainly gained a lot of confidence and self-assurance from this experience.

I think I did well during the sessions, but I think my skilled particularly shone through during the planning stages and in creating the story around all the experiments I had in kind and all of the science I wanted to show off.

- Victor