Originally published 22 March 2004

60 students from 15 schools around the Midlands will enjoy a fun-filled day of chemistry at the Salters' Festival of Chemistry to be held at The University of Warwick on Wednesday 24th March 2004. Students will use forensic science skills to solve a murder mystery and then examine the science behind chilling liquids.

During the morning the teams will take part in a competitive, hands-on, practical activity, “The Salterstown Mystery” where they will use their analytical skills and chemistry expertise to solve a mystery. In the afternoon, they will compete in the “University Challenge”, where they will learn how to chill liquids, and students will explore how to use chemical reactions to chill liquids to a specific temperature.

This will be followed by a fun lecture, by Reverend Ron Lancaster of Kimbolton Fireworks who will give a demonstration of chemical reactions that will include lots of fireworks, flashes and bangs.

Dr Rob Deeth, from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Warwick, said: “It's a fun day and I'm always really impressed by the quality and enthusiasm of our younger aspiring chemists.”

The fun and educational day promotes the appreciation of chemistry amongst the young and encourages careers in chemistry and in related sciences.

Each of the 15 schools taking part will be represented by a team of four 11-13 year olds, and will compete for the top prizes. The day will end with a prizegiving at which the winning teams will be awarded cash prizes for their schools, totalling £500 and all participants will be given individual fun prizes and participation certificates.

Photo Opportunites 11.00am and 1.45pm, University of Warwick: You are invited to illustrate your coverage with students exploring the fun side of chemistry while solving the “The Salterstown Mystery” and taking part in the “University Challenge”.

The schools taking part in the event are: Fitzharry's School, Abington, Alcester High School Technology College, Alcester, St. Benedict's RC High School, Alcester, Dame Alice Harpur School, Bedford, Chipping Campden School, Chipping Campden, Hastings High School, Hinckley, The Chase Technology School, Malvern, Moulton School, Northampton, Northampton High School, Northampton, Northamptonshire Grammar School, Northampton, Rugby High School, Rugby, Saint Martin's School, Solihull, The King's High School for Girls, Warwick, Huxlow School, Wellingborough, The Royal Grammar School, Worcester.

For more information contact:

Jenny Murray,
Communications Office,
University of Warwick,
Tel: 02476 574 255,
Mobile: 07876 21 7740

Dr Rob Deeth,
Department of Chemistry,
University of Warwick,
Tel: 02476 52 3187.