Young scientists win university chemistry challenge

A GROUP of students have proved they are ahead of their time after taking first prize in a university science festival.

The group of four Year 7 students from The Durham Free School were competing against Year 8 children in the ‘University Challenge’ style competition as part of the annual Salters Festival of Chemistry, held at Newcastle University.

The Salters Festival of Chemistry is a joint venture between the Salters Institute and the Royal Society of Chemistry and each year teams of Year 8 pupils from local schools are invited to undertake two challenges, using analytical chemistry and their scientific knowledge to solve problems.

In the morning students carried out the Salters Challenge, which involved them working independently to carry out experiments in the laboratory to investigate and write a report of their results.

During the afternoon they watched science demonstrations then took part in the university challenge, with no assistance from staff.

Naomi said: “It was so fun being able to use all the amazing equipment in the labs. We didn’t think we had a chance of winning with the other teams all being Year 8s. We couldn’t believe it when they announced we’d got first prize.”

The Durham Free School team comprised Naomi Denning, Luke Douglas. Hermione Heathcote and William Forrester.