Pupils across the south to take on The Salters’ Challenge

Each school was represented by a team of four 11-13 year olds. During the morning, the teams took part in The Salters' Challenge - ‘Money, money, money', a competitive and hands-on, practical activity, in which they used their analytical chemistry skills.  In the afternoon, students competed in the ‘University Challenge', a practical activity chosen by the University, in which they were required to demonstrate their chemistry synthesis skills.  This was followed by a fun lecture, by Ben Littlefield, involving spectacular yet informative experiments. Ben says: "Demonstrations and events such as the Salters festival are vital to inspiring the next generation of scientists. We spent 30 minutes burning, freezing and precipitating our way through key chemistry concepts - what better way to teach chemistry than through wonder? - and crimson fireballs!"

The day ended with a prize giving ceremony, where all participants were given individual prizes and participation certificates, and the winning teams were awarded prizes for their schools.

The Salters' Festivals of Chemistry are an initiative of The Salters' Institute, working in partnership with the Royal Society of Chemistry, whose aim is to promote the appreciation of chemistry and related sciences among the young. The Festival at the University of Southampton is one of a series of 54 Festivals, which are taking place at universities throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland between March and June 2012.