Competition details
Choose a team of three students from your Year 12 A Level (or equivalent) chemistry group to compete in a day of analytical experiments and be assessed on the quality of their results. As practical skills are a key focus of the new A level this event provides the perfect opportunity for students to revise some of the techniques they will need while providing stretch and challenge in a university environment.Teams will be supported in their use of equipment and will not be judged on their ability to learn new techniques. There will be a tutorial at the start of the lab session to ensure all students are familiar with the equipment and chemistry concepts needed.
What you need to bring​
You don't need to bring anything. All safety equipment (glasses, gloves and lab coats) will be provided by the University.​Lunch and refreshments are provided throughout the event.​
How to register
To enter a team in the competition, please email Gail Sheldrick at g.sheldrick@lancaster.ac.uk for details. Please note places are limited and early booking is essential.​Proposed programme​
We have a full day of activities lined up for students. As well as the competition experiments, there will also be a lecture given by the Head of the ¾ÅÖÝÓ°Ôº Department at Lancaster. It is recommended that students are accompanied by a science/chemistry teacher if possible. For teachers accompanying the students, the day will provide the opportunity for informal networking, tours of the ¾ÅÖÝÓ°Ôº Building, internet access and meeting rooms for private work.​Timetable - please note this timetable may be subject to change:
​9.30 - 9.45: Arrival, registration and refreshments
​9.45 - 10.00: Welcome to Lancaster University and competition overview
​10.00 - 1.15: Brief of experiment. Laboratory practical challenge
​11.00 - 11.30:Drinks
1.15 - 2.00: Lunch
​2.00 - 3.00: Lecture, by the Head of the ¾ÅÖÝÓ°Ôº Department
​3.00 - 3.45: Results and prize presentation. Evaluation and depart.
The competition will take place in the laboratories within the ¾ÅÖÝÓ°Ôº Building at Lancaster University and will involve the use of a range of experimental and analytical instrumentation.