School students from 17 schools from all over Scotland will enjoy a fun-filled day of chemistry at the Salters' Festival of Chemistry to be held at The University of Glasgow on Thursday, 25 May 2006. Each school will be represented by a team of four 11-13 year old pupils.

During the morning teams will take part in a competitive, hands-on, practical activity, 'The Mystery at Salty Towers' in which they will use their analytical chemistry skills. In the afternoon, they will compete in the 'University Challenge', a practical activity chosen by the University, in which they will be required to solve practical chemistry problems. This will be followed by a fun lecture, by Steve Brindley, of SETPOINT, involving chemistry demonstrations entitled 'Chemical Magic' which will also involve the use of interactive technology.

The day will end with a prize giving at which the winning teams will be awarded cash prizes for their schools and all participants will be given individual fun prizes and participation certificates.

The Salters' Festivals of Chemistry are an initiative of The Salters' Institute, whose aim is to promote the appreciation of chemistry and related sciences among the young. The Festival at The University of Glasgow is one of a series of fifty-two festivals which are taking place at Universities throughout the UK and Ireland between March and June 2006.

The Festival at The University of Glasgow is in association with SETPOINT Scotland and the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Kate Richardson (K.richardson@admin.gla.ac.uk)

First published: 22 May 2006