Chemistry at Work

Enthusiastic Year 9 and 10 students were given the opportunity to appreciate the place of chemistry in everyday life and the world of work, with particular emphasis on what is happening in their local area. Chemistry at Work was a full day event taking place at Knowsley College, Liverpool. It consisted of four stimulating workshops, ran by employers and organisations from chemical companies. Throughout the day students were given the opportunity to see first-hand how the chemistry they learn in the classroom, is practically used in an everyday working environment.

The students took part in a wide range of practical activities, in addition to receiving inspirational talks from experts within the industry. The four workshops were delivered by the professionals at:

• AstraZeneca
• Science2U
• Techniquest Glyndwyr- University of Wrexham
• Knowsley Community College Science department

Each workshop included hands-on activities and challenges which proved that a career in the chemical sciences can be exciting, wealth-creating and immensely rewarding.

The first workshop involved Mosslands’ students extracting the deep purple colour from red cabbage and then using it to dye cloth. Next was a science show by Science2U.  This involved various hand warming activities (literally) and the magic of thermo chromic and hydro chromic materials. Finally each student was given the opportunity to make their own bubble gum smelling bath bomb.

The third workshop focused on putting chemistry into context within the real world. Students formed groups and performed a range of tests on blood samples in order to identify blood types. The lab was then transformed into a crime scene and the students had to use forensic techniques to identify the murderer. 

The final workshop was hosted by experts from AstraZeneca, who specialise in making biopharmaceuticals (‘live medicines’). Here, much fun was had with latex gloves and chocolate spread!  The sterile technique of putting on double gloves was a messy challenge, greatly enjoyed by all, as it is surprisingly a lot harder than you think! AstraZeneca, a global company based in Liverpool, highlighted the benefits of a career in the industry and within this workplace, including the positive impacts of fighting flu around the world, in which they are world leaders.