The Royal Society of Chemistry and Education Business Partnership

Girl Power

Chemistry Sessions at Brannel School

The Education Business Partnership (EBP) has launched the ‘Catalyst for Girls’ initiative at Brannel School as part of our Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) project, funded by the RSC. The project delivers a series of workshops for Year 8 pupils, designed to build confidence, leadership, and teamwork while introducing students to careers in chemistry. Through hands-on activities, the sessions aim to spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and show that chemistry is fun and all around us.

This week, EBP started our chemistry sessions at Brannel School. It was fantastic to see such an amazing group of young ladies dive into science. The classroom buzzed with excitement as they rolled up their sleeves and got ready to experiment.

Our focus was pH testing. The pupils had to find out if everyday household items are acidic, neutral, or alkaline. The pupils made predictions and explained their reasoning. Then came the moment of truth: testing their ideas. Watching their faces light up when they discovered whether they were right was priceless.

This activity taught an important lesson. Scientists make predictions, but they also record results with care. Accuracy and precision matter. The girls learned that science is not just about answers—it’s about the process.

The session gave them a glimpse into the life of a scientist. They saw the kind of tasks research scientists do every day. It sparked curiosity about careers in chemistry. Many shared their dreams—working for the NHS, becoming veterinarians. Others were looking forward to exploring other science-based roles. These conversations are why we run these sessions: to inspire and encourage pupils to see the possibilities ahead.

One pupil summed it up perfectly: “This was a fantastic session and I enjoyed learning about what chemists do.”

We look forward to continuing these workshops and helping the next generation discover the power of science.

Girls in Chemistry

Testing

Fowey River Academy and the Education Business Partnership (EBP)

Chemistry is everywhere. This week, pupils at Fowey River Academy learned how much it shapes our daily lives. From the products we use at home to the water we drink, chemistry keeps us safe.

Our workshop is part of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) project, funded by the RSC. It gave Year 8 pupils the chance to explore chemistry through hands-on experiments and real-world examples.

The first session focused on pH testing. Pupils tested everyday household items and food and drinks to see if they were acidic, neutral, or alkaline. They made predictions and explained their reasoning. Then they tested their ideas. Watching their faces light up when they saw the results was priceless.

This activity taught an important lesson. Scientists use chemicals to make products we rely on every day. Testing is essential to keep those products safe. Pupils learned that pH testing shows what could harm us and why safety checks matter.

We also explored how pH is used in the environment, on farms, in gardens, and in water systems. Pupils discovered how pH affects soil health and crop growth. They learned why water companies monitor pH to keep drinking water safe. They even learned about the role of professionals at South West Water. The pupils gained insights into careers that protect public health and the environment.

The session gave pupils a glimpse into the life of a scientist. It sparked curiosity about careers in chemistry. Many shared ambitions such as working in environmental science roles. These conversations are why we run these sessions: to inspire and encourage pupils to see the possibilities ahead.

One pupil summed it up perfectly: “This was a fantastic session and I enjoyed learning about what chemists do.”

We look forward to continuing these workshops and helping the next generation discover the power of science in everyday life.