Flash-bang science back in the classroom

Date:

27 January 2009

Release No:

E078:09

School science teachers are being urged to stop using a fear of breaking health and safety rules to re-introduce exciting and engaging practical classroom demonstrations.

Judith Hackitt CBE, Chair of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) supported this message today [Tuesday 27 January] when she demonstrated to a classroom of children the principles of combustion by setting her hands alight - safely.

Judith and Dr David Brown, Chief Executive of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), performed 'The Flaming Hands' science demonstrations, one of IChemE's safe, risk-assessed 'Top 10 Flash Bang Demos' in a bid to encourage more engaging, hands-on science lessons in schools.

HSE's Chair, Judith Hackitt said:

"I fully support IChemE's and Government's initiatives to bring science to lifer by integrating these sort of classroom demonstrations that make children excited about science - 'flash-bang' makes it enjoyable and memorable.

"This demonstrates to teachers that they can do more exciting classroom lessons without unduly worrying about health and safety.
"Classroom demos can be spectacular and safe, and here are 10 of them that can be easily downloaded and put into lessons - as hundreds of other teachers have done because they've already been fully risk-assessed. So, no excuses!"

By releasing methane into a bubble mix solution of soap solution, glycerol and distilled water, Hackitt and Brown were able to set alight the bubbles on their hands, safely displaying the scientific principles of combustion.

The demo campaign was launched in October 2008 after Schools and Learning Minister, Jim Knight called for 'more flash-bang science in the classroom'. Since its launch, there have been more than 11,000 downloads of the demonstration videos and more than 8,000 downloads of the supporting instruction sheets.

The demonstrations encourage science teachers to add greater practical focus to their lessons. David Brown says that better science lessons means better student uptake in further education:

"The best way to learn science is to DO science. Practical demonstrations are far more appealing and likely to stick in the mind than learning it from a textbook.

"Ensuring school science lessons are interesting, memorable and fun will persuade more school children to stick with science and consider studying science or engineering subjects at university."

The campaign has already gained support from former BBC Tomorrow's World presenter, Kate Bellingham, who now works as a National STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Careers Coordinator:

"I am really impressed with the videos. I will show them to schools' science staff who ask what they can do to inspire their students."

IChemE's whynotchemeng initiative launched in 2001 to tackle a growing shortage of students opting to study chemical engineering at UK universities. Since the campaign's launch, applications to study the subject have risen by over 70% and student intake has doubled.

Notes to editors

1. IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers) is the hub for chemical, biochemical and process engineering professionals worldwide. With a growing global membership of some 30,000, the Institution is at the heart of the process community, promoting competence and a commitment to best practice, advancing the discipline for the benefit of society, encouraging young people in science and engineering and supporting the professional development of its members. For more information, visit www.icheme.org
2. Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, maths and economics to the process of turning raw materials into everyday products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the products where chemical engineering plays a central role.
3. The HSE Board has overall responsibility for occupational health and safety regulations in Great Britain, and HSE and Local Authorities are the enforcing authorities that work in support of the Board. For more information on health and safety at work visit www.hse.gov.uk or for more information about local authorities regulation of health and safety, visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/lau/ Information on worker involvement can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/involvement

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