The International Year of the Periodic Table

This year marks 150 years since the discovery of the Mendeleev's Periodic Table. To celebrate, STEMworks in collaboration with the Royal Society of Chemistry and BASF, Cinderford developed an entirely new workshop where students could discover the elements.The exciting half day workshop aimed to develop scientific skills within students aged 9-11 whilst inspiring the next generation of chemists. This project was only made possible through the grant received from the RSC Outreach fund.During the workshop, students worked together to discover the Periodic Table and investigate the properties of particular elements within it. Students were also given the opportunity to carry out a scientific experiment into the reactivity series, thus building their confidence in using scientific equipment and generating a greater level of interest in the subject.Through participating in the workshop, students were also eligible to receive a CREST Award, a scheme that inspires people to take on the role of scientists or engineers through hands on investigation.The workshops took place in 5 primary schools within the Forest of Dean during the summer term and students who had demonstrated an aptitude for chemistry were invited to attend a morning of activities and tour at BASF, Cinderford on the 4th July.During the BASF visit, students were able to see the periodic table in action. They were taken on a tour of the production area which recycles catalytic convertors and where some of the rarest elements on earth are reclaimed. Following the tour, students took part in the BASF Science Xperience which included making slime and a sound proofing activity. This visit was enjoyed by all.