Chemistry Evening – Spectrometry
On the evening of Friday 11th October, Concord’s Chemistry students were extremely lucky to be able to analyse their recently-studied practical results using a very rare spectrometry machine. NMR and Infra-red spectrometry machines are very expensive and difficult to get a hold of by schools – Concord’s students were fortunate to be visited by a spectroscopy expert from Newcastle University, who showed, explained and taught our 6.2 students the process of using the spectrometers.
This was not only an enhanced learning experience for young chemistry enthusiasts, but also a very beneficial practical activity, as the event aided students in studying for our current topic, spectroscopy techniques and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Furthermore, the results obtained by the students were astonishing! Every sample developed a reading of more than 98% pure. The results would have been very hard to read without the precise industrial tools and high-technology laboratory equipment that the spectroscopy expert used.
Kristijonas – 6.2
Chemistry Olympiad
The International British Chemistry Olympiad Round 1 competition was an interesting experience, as we undertook questions that we have never seen before. It was particularly challenging as they introduced unknown concepts to us, and we were asked to use our knowledge from the Chemistry A-Level syllabus to infer the answers to these questions. It was stimulating to be exposed to the larger world of Chemistry outside of what we learn for our A-Levels, and the difficulty of the competition will definitely help in doing our exams in the near future and at higher education.
Wei En – 6.2