Future Chemistry Hub activities
Explore our British Science Festival activities to learn the science behind them, with detailed explanations and links to the research that supports them.
Alloy forge
Play an interactive quiz about metals, alloys and chemical elements. Learn how different elements are combined to give alloys useful properties.
Atoms and diffraction
Experiment with laser diffraction and explore a LEGO model of a scientific beam line. Learn how patterns made by light can reveal the structure of materials.
Clouds and radiation
Observe tracks made by invisible radiation inside a cloud chamber. Learn how condensation allows otherwise invisible particles and radiation to be detected.
Coral detectives: Shining a light on microplastics
Shine blue light on a model coral reef to uncover hidden microplastics. Learn how light-based techniques can help scientists detect plastic pollution.
Dress like a chemist photo booth
Dress up with chemistry-themed props and take a photograph. Learn how chemists come in all sorts of styles and no matter what you choose you’ll look like a chemist somewhere!
From Mars to Humans: Lighting up life
Use a miniature Raman system to analyse samples alongside a scale Mars rover. Learn how light can identify chemicals in fields ranging from space exploration to human health.
Glow up! The chemistry of colour change?
Examine glowing objects and use UV-sensitive beads that change colour in light. Learn how some materials absorb ultraviolet light and respond by glowing or changing colour.
Guess fast, guess well, guess with AI? - The modeller’s dilemma
Estimate the number of jelly beans using either a quick guess or analytical tools. Learn how scientists balance speed, accuracy and the use of data or AI.
Infrastructure: Connecting the system
Connect scientific information using a data marble run. Learn why reliable connections and compatible data are essential to scientific research.
LEGO beam line
Explore a LEGO model of the equipment used at the ISIS scientific facility. Learn how beam lines help researchers investigate the structures and properties of materials.
Microwaves
Take part in a microwave-based chemistry activity, and understand what makes molecules in a microwave, wave . Learn how microwave energy can interact with materials.
Modern day alchemy: Turning copper into gold!
Use electricity to coat a copper coin with zinc and watch it develop a gold-like appearance when heated. Learn how electroplating and heating can change a metal’s surface and create an alloy.
Radiation all around us
Use Geiger counters and sort everyday objects according to their natural radioactivity. Learn that radiation occurs naturally in our bodies, homes and surroundings.
ReproducibiliTEA
Make tea by following a protocol, measure the result and add your data to a AI model. Learn why reproducible methods and consistent data matter when training machine-learning models.
Slime time
Add sodium lactate to a calcium solution to make a glowing gel. Learn how ion exchange can rapidly transform a liquid into a gel.
Spectroscopy in a suitcase
Test a sample using portable infrared spectroscopy equipment. Learn how molecular vibrations help scientists identify chemical substances.
The electrochemical circus
Explore hands-on activities where you can learn how to make your own gold fingerprint! Learn how chemical reactions can produce electricity or create new material surfaces.
Virtual crystals: how computers guess crystal structures
Build efficiently packed 2D crystals in an arcade game and search for crystal structure IDs. Learn how computers help scientists predict the ways atoms and molecules arrange themselves.
Outreach on offer
Whether you're a teacher looking for classroom support or a student interested in science, we offer opportunities to learn from our staff and students.
You can take part in a range of outreach activities, including:
- school visits and practical workshops
- continuing professional development (CPD) for teachers
- public lectures, festivals and community events
- activities that support students considering further study in chemistry and chemical engineering
Activities are delivered by staff and students from across the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.
Who can take part
We work with:
- primary and secondary schools
- colleges and sixth forms
- teachers and education professionals
- families and members of the public
Contact the Outreach team
If you'd like to arrange a school visit, attend an event or find out more about our outreach activities, we'd be pleased to hear from you.