Chemistry Schools' Contest for Analytical Skills, Hosted by the Royal Society of Chemistry
The Lower Sixth Chemistry students at [Your School Name] recently took part in the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Schools' Analyst Competition, a captivating event aimed at students aged 16-17 years old. Despite not securing a regional win this year, the students found the competition enriching, offering a unique blend of practical application and teamwork.
Participating schools in the UK and Ireland were sent kits containing all the necessary materials to tackle a series of analytical chemistry challenges, some of which were linked to real-world applications, such as supporting the Department for Housing. The competition, organised by Northumbria University with funding from the Analytical Chemistry Trust Fund, encouraged collaboration between schools but did not mandate it.
The competition format was flexible, allowing teams to work together to solve chemistry challenges, answer tough questions, and submit their solutions through an online portal. This flexibility made it manageable for schools to participate without disrupting regular lessons.
Participating students like [Student Name] enjoyed the practical aspect of the competition, which gave them an opportunity to apply their chemistry knowledge in a hands-on, real-world context. The activities included titrations, thin layer chromatography, and analysis of ions through flame tests and test tube reactions.
The competition also fostered teamwork and problem-solving abilities, valuable skills both in and beyond the classroom. [Student Name] reported that they learned valuable teamwork and independent thought skills during the practical competition, and found that the competition allowed them to experience chemistry outside of the classroom.
The students submitted their results for external marking, and while they did not win regionally, they found the competition enriching and believe that the skills they learned will be useful to them in the future.
This year's winning team from Notre Dame was composed of Hayden Ng, Kate Joseph, and Megha Dheeraj. The competition not only tested students' chemical knowledge but also their ability to work effectively in a team and communicate their findings effectively.
The Schools' Analyst Competition by the RSC offers a rewarding experience combining education, real-world scientific challenges, and opportunities for student development in chemistry. It also encourages interest and enjoyment in chemistry, potentially inspiring students to pursue further studies or careers in the chemical sciences.
Sources:
- Details on competition format, participation, and benefits are from the RSC official event page. - Organisational and funding information from social media updates by Northumbria University and RSC. - The competition involved practical activities for students to apply their knowledge and lab skills to determine the suitability of land for home building. - The activities included titrations, thin layer chromatography, and analysis of ions through flame tests and test tube reactions. - The student learned valuable teamwork and independent thought skills during the practical competition. - The student found that the competition allowed them to experience chemistry outside of the classroom. - The students submitted their results for external marking. - Unfortunately, the school was not the regional winner this year. - Last term, 23 Lower Sixth Chemistry students participated in the Royal Society of Chemistry Schools' Analyst Competition.
- The enriching experience of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Schools' Analyst Competition, designed for students aged 16-17, not only fosters a blend of practical application in areas like fitness-and-exercise (through lab activities) and education-and-self-development (through teamwork and problem-solving), but also encourages learning in health-and-wellness by promoting independent thought and valuable skills.
- Participants in the RSC Schools' Analyst Competition grapple with real-world scientific challenges in the fields of science and education-and-self-development, engaging in activities such as titrations or thin layer chromatography, which help foster a love for learning and could potentially inspire further studies or careers in the chemical sciences.
