Catherine Clark of 4B2 has recently returned from her trip to a Salter's Chemistry Camp. Catherine had been nominated by her teacher Mr Miller, and opted to attend St Andrews University for the 3 day event. Going to the 'camp' gives pupils the chance to use cutting edge technology and equipment to carry out various Chemistry experiments which would otherwise be impossible in school.
Below is an account of the event as told by Catherine herself, along with some photos.

Catherine Clark tells hers story...


During the last few weeks of this term I was lucky enough to be chosen by my S3 Chemistry teacher Mr Miller, to attend a Chemistry Camp at St Andrews University. The four days on campus were designed to enhance Standard Grade and GCSE work completed by 14 and 15 year old youngsters in their schools.


With the days packed full of challenging experiments, exciting lectures and a trip to the BP site at Grangemouth, the week certainly fulfilled its brief.

After arriving on the Monday we were given a gentle introduction to the camp with our first experiment-Nickel Plating a bookmark using the process of electroplating. This was our first chance to get to know the members and leader of our group and since none of us knew each other, we made friends and bonded very quickly (no pun intended!). That evening we were also treated to ten-pin bowling at the Megabowl in Dundee. After winning the first game and scoring five strikes throughout the night, I had had a very good first evening of what was to be a very good stay.


Over the next two days we were exposed to several more challenging experiments, many of which were of the standard of Higher Chemistry, in order to make us all equal in our learning. These were such as 'Chemical Cluedo' in which we had to analyse evidence to find out 'Who dunnit?', a further look into the dyes used in tie-dying and the most difficult experiment of the week involving creating light without producing heat along with it-an endothermic reaction + light.
On the last night of our camp, we were taken on an open top bus tour of St Andrews. This, what would have been a pleasant experience, was somewhat ruined by the fact that it never stopped raining during the whole hour and a half journey!! Due to my sitting on the top deck of the bus, I wasn't best pleased with the weather at this point! To make matters worse, we were dropped off at the end of the tour on St Andrews beach-in the pouring rain and howling gales-for a beach barbeque! to be honest, it wasn't the most enjoyable BBQ I have ever attended because of the weather.

Eventually, the bus picked us up again and we were transported back to the campus for hot chocolate and our well-needed beds.


On the last morning of the trip we took part in our last experiment, a DNA extraction from peas and kiwi fruit before attending a short prize-giving for the various activities we had taken part in. Despite not having won anything, after the ceremony my group leader notified me that I had come a close second place in the tie-dying competitions!
I had been very lucky in the first instance to be invited to apply for the camp, and then to have actually have been chosen by the Salter's Chemistry Institute to attend it (over 500 pupils applied for the St Andrews camp alone, only 50 were accepted) All my expectations were met and many were exceeded during my four days spent on campus.
My thanks to the Salter's Team and especially to Mr Miller. Have a great time in Spain Mr Miller, we'll all miss you!