School children from across the North East are all set to have fun and learn all there is to know about Chemistry at an event being hosted by the University of Aberdeen next week (Monday, December 19).

The University’s aim 4 uni scheme and the Department of Chemistry will organise a fun and interactive lecture, Flashes and Bangs.

More than 300 teenagers from four local secondary schools will attend the event, along with their teachers.

The schools - Kincorth, Northfield, Torry and St Machar academies - were invited as they have traditionally lower than average rates of pupils continuing onto Higher Education.

Dr Donald Macphee, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry, will produce a series of exciting, colourful and loud experiments, highlighting the fun aspect of studying chemistry, as well as promoting the importance of the subject in terms of a career opportunity.

He said: “The objective of this University event is to illustrate some exciting and visually interesting examples of chemical reactions to audiences which may not necessarily have science backgrounds. We hope that the pupils enjoy the day and learn lots of new and interesting facts about chemistry.”

Seema Miah, aim 4 uni Project Officer, hopes that the event will not only entertain but also encourage pupils to consider studying at university. She said: “We are looking to extend the network into other schools as well as holding an annual lecture in different subjects aimed at showing the school pupils the wide range of subjects the University has to offer.

“Dr MacPhee’s, Flashes and Bangs lecture has received high praise from people who have seen it in the past, and we are excited that he has been able to offer it again as the aim 4 uni Christmas lecture too.”