Xplore! Science Discovery Centre welcomed teachers from schools across the region to a session all about our amazing atmosphere. The teacher development session, funded by the Royal Society of Chemistry, was a chance to explore six different science experiments for primary school children.
These experiments allow a variety of atmospheric properties to be investigated. Some of the experiments look at the properties of carbon dioxide, both its relationship with climate change and the effect the gas has on fire. Further experiments looked at atmospheric nitrogen and how it is used to increase the length of time that food can be kept fresh. Experiments involving rusting and the fire triangle would allow the young people to investigate the oxygen the appears in the atmosphere. As well as the gases that make up the atmosphere, experiments were developed to allow young people to investigate air quality by creating particulate testers .
As well as the experiments that were developed, the attending teachers were given the equipment needed to carry them out with their learners. When the project began the intention had been to carry out online sessions but the change in covid restrictions allowed teachers to come to the centre and experience our exhibits and facilities.
Dawn Pavey, Project officer said, “The fact we were able to bring teachers into the centre allowed excellent discussion of the topics and gave the teachers attending opportunities to think about different ways to carry out the experiments.”
“The support provided by the Royal Society of Chemistry made this session possible and allowed us to develop the experiments, which are now available to teachers visiting in centre as well as digital version on our website.”
All six experiments are now available to download in both English and Welsh from our website.
