Gases in the Air – A Demonstration Assembly
‘Gases in the Air’ is a version of the ‘A Pollutant’s Tale’lecture-demonstration for primary-aged audiences, mainly given Tim Harrison or Alison Rivett, of Bristol ChemLabS, University of Bristol. Occasionally well trained postgraduate chemists deliver the talk.
- The assembly introduces the different gases in the air around us and some of their properties, including how oxygen is produced and why nitrogen is much more interesting when it cools down.
- There is an introduction to carbon dioxide and the chemistry of ‘Acids & Alkalis’.
- The processes of combustion and photosynthesis are explained and there are many links throughout to the topic of ‘Solids, Liquids & Gases’.
Throughout the talk there are exciting demonstrations involving liquid nitrogen, oxygen foam, dry ice and a few explosions! The assembly is suitable for all primary age groups, even reception classes. It lasts between 40 and 60 minutes, depending on the age of the audience.
At the time of writing (March 2009), this demonstration assembly has been given over 100 times within the last three and a half years! It has been presented at many primary schools both locally and nationally, as well as schools in Australia,France, Jersey and South Africa Malta and at the National University of Singapore.
Dear Dr Alison
Thank-you for your demonstration of chemistry. My favourite experiment was when your hydrogen and helium balloons blew up. This experience was great and I would highly recommend the show to others
The best assembly EVER!
Costs
There is a charge made for this lecture to cover the cost of transport, disposables, technicianing and subsistence.
Please contact Tim Harrison at t.g.harrison@bristol.ac.uk
Requirements
To deliver the lecture we normally need:
- a car space close to the lecture hall/room from which to offload equipment
- about 10 ft of table-top space
- parking close to the venue
- access to a sink (for clearing up and as a source of water - does not need to be in the same room)
- waste bins, broom, dustpan and brush
- any flash detectors or smoke alarms to be disabled or switched to manual.
The nearest person to the demos is advised to be 8ft away.
Notes on the Speakers
- Alison Rivett has a wide variety of experience in developing, planning and delivering science outreach activities and works part-time with Bristol ChemLabS to enhance primary science provision and investigate funding opportunities.
In 2002 she was awarded one of the inaugural David Green Prizes for Widening Participation for her outstanding contribution to widening participation.
Alison spent 3 years as Projects Manager at Wessex Setpoint (an organisation which promotes science and technology to schools and young people) based at Bath University.
Alison is als the Institute of Physics’ Regional Officer for South West England: promoting the Institute and its activities, liaising with local members and working in partnership with schools, universities, business and other science & industry-related bodies.
As well as being a long-standing member of the Royal Society of Chemistry, Alison sits on the committee of The BA Bath & Bristol Section, helping to organise events in the area to communicate the excitement of science to the public.
More details
- Tim Harrison is the first School Teacher Fellow at Bristol ChemLabS. Prior to this he has been a Head of Chemistry and Science College Director. Tim has taught chemistry for 25 years and his work is mainly in the promotion of chemistry. Tim won the Secondary Education Teaching Award from the Royal Society of Chemistry in 2005 and the 2007 University of Bristol's Engagement Award for the Faculty of Science.
Bristol ChemLabS Outreach was awarded a Big Tick in the Business in the Community’s Awards for Excellence 2009. An independent panel judged the project's outreach and engagement activities with schools, teachers and students of all ages to be making a strikingly positive and sustained impact on the community. It has also has been ‘Highly Commended’ in the national Business in the Community's Bank of America Merrill Lynch Education Award. The Big Tick award was re-accredited in 2010.
