Chemistry Magic Show at School Summer Fair

Eduards Bakis and Dr Olga Kuzmina

Researchers present a science show at the St. Edward's Catholic Primary School Summer Fair

Research Associate Dr Olga Kuzmina and MSc student Eduards Bakis were invited to the Summer Fair of St Edward’s Catholic Primary School in Marylebone to present a fun science show to pupils aged 8-11 and used a few simple experiments to introduce the wonderful world of chemistry to the children.

“We were trying to choose more common chemicals, which would be familiar to children, to show them how close chemistry is to their daily lives,” said Dr Kuzmina. Mr Bakis suggested adding dry ice into the entertainment mix as he had done similar school demonstrations and knew from experience how excited children were by evaporating dry ice!

Firstly, the dissolution of polystyrene in acetone was shown as an example of a non-water dissolution process. Then the differences in liquid’s densities were shown and the dissolution of aspirin tablet, which emitted CO2 gas.  And finally the fun part - making soap bubbles with evaporating dry ice. Watch a video of the demonstration here

One of the parents who helped arrange the event said: “If children continue to discuss these experiments after they leave the room and see other presentations it means they are really impressed and inspired, thank you!”

Dr Kuzmina and Mr Bakis added that they too were impressed with the children’s knowledge of chemistry and their awareness of substances such as CO2, acetone, liquid nitrogen and acids.

Hopefully the demonstration will have inspired some of the children to continue a chemistry career and return to Imperial as undergrads in 10 or so years time.....