Schools’ Chemistry Masterclass – University of Reading
07 July 2003140 School children from all over the region have been invited to a 'Chemistry Masterclass' at the University on Wednesday 9 July 2003. The Masterclass will be given by University chemists, who will explain how to discover the properties of polymers – the building blocks of so many things in everyday life from DNA to disposable nappies. The Masterclass is on Spectroscopy - a subject covered in A-level specifications but very difficult to teach as schools do not have the instrumentation to demonstrate practically. The 140 students will be given spectra of molecules and guided through the technique for working out the structure (or arrangement of atoms in the molecule). This is important for determining the nature of the substance - i.e. the presence of particular drugs, the presence of impurities in a food sample etc., determining whether a particular synthetic process gives the correct product. Photo opportunities probably best during the period 11.30pm-12.30pm in the Department of Chemistry as students will be having demonstrations of the instruments. For more information please contact Elizabeth Page 0118 378 8457/47 or Carol Derham 0118 378 8004 Participating schools: Bulmershe School Denefield School Easthampstead School Heathside School John O'Gaunt School Lampton School Langley Grammar School St Crispins School St Joseph's Comprehansive St Joseph's Convent School Theale Green Community School