The Royal Society of Chemistry and Education Business Partnership

Fabulous Fowey!

Chemistry Careers

This week EBP visited Fowey Secondary School to deliver our Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) project which is funded by the RSC. This project involves a series of engaging workshops to Year 9 pupils, designed to boost their confidence, leadership, and teamwork skills while introducing them to the exciting world of careers in chemistry. By focusing on STEAM learning, these workshops provide students with hands-on activities that foster curiosity and critical thinking, making chemistry both accessible and inspiring.

This week, students explored the complex science behind one of their favourite treats—chocolate. In an interactive session, they examined chocolate’s chemistry through tastings and activities, gaining a new appreciation for what makes chocolate so unique. They learned that chocolate is made from cacao beans, which contain compounds that contribute to its flavour, texture, and even its effect on mood. When cacao beans are roasted, they undergo the Maillard reaction—a chemical interaction between amino acids and sugars that creates the rich flavours and aromas we associate with chocolate. Cocoa butter, which comprises about half of the cacao bean, has special fat crystals that melt just below body temperature, giving chocolate its smooth, melt-in-your-mouth feel. Students also explored a range of exciting careers within the chocolate industry, discovering how scientific knowledge is essential in every step of chocolate production. The workshop wrapped up with an exploration of how we can make chocolate production more sustainable, highlighting the essential role of science in shaping both food production and environmental responsibility.

" I never knew there was a science behind chocolate" - A pupil

To further emphasise the relevance of chemistry in real-world challenges, the students explored the impacts of climate change on cocoa production. In a timed challenge, the pupils worked together to "save" their chocolate beans from extreme flooding, reinforcing concepts of problem-solving, collaboration, and resilience. The workshop was not only educational but also a powerful reminder of how chemistry can help us address global issues, and I am incredibly thankful to the Royal Society of Chemistry for making these opportunities possible for the next generation of young scientists.

" I feel more confident with my team work skills" - A pupil

Cheese Please!

Professional Tasting This week, the pupils at Brannel Secondary School had the exciting opportunity to learn about cheese, its production process, the science behind it, and career pathways in this field. The session began with an introduction to career pathways, where pupils met Abi, who earned a food science degree in college and now works at Saputo Dairy Davidstow.

Following this, the pupils learned how specialists taste cheese, discovering that cheese flavour comes from a unique mix of chemistry, microbiology, and sensory science. During the cheese tasting, they rated and described the flavours, learning that enzymes play a key role in cheese's distinctive taste and texture. Enzymes like lipase and protease break down fats and proteins in the cheese as it ages, creating new compounds that contribute to the complex flavours, aromas, and textures. For example, proteases break down casein (a primary milk protein), resulting in peptides and amino acids that enhance umami and savoury notes, while lipase helps release fatty acids for sharper, tangier flavours in cheeses like blue or aged gouda. This hands-on tasting experience gave students a chance to apply scientific principles to their senses, providing an appreciation for the fascinating science behind one of their favourite foods.

After the tasting, we explored careers in the hospitality industry, covering both back-of-house and front-of-house roles. The session culminated in a creative activity where pupils became food engineers, designing and making a cheese board. They were tasked with considering flavour pairings and the aesthetics of their cheese boards.

CheeseThe session inspired the pupils by showcasing the many different career pathways available in this area. It taught them about the science behind how we taste and incorporated STEM learning, making it a truly awe-inspiring experience.

One pupil commented, "This has been a very tasty way to learn about careers".

STEM learning

Prize for Presentation

Climate Careers in Cornwall.
EBP is collaborating with the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), which is funding us to deliver engaging workshops that promote chemistry-based STEM careers in Cornwall.

Recently, pupils at Brannel School had the opportunity to participate in an inspiring Climate Careers session led by Hayley Hill, an environmental scientist. This session aimed to raise awareness and ignite young minds' interest in pursuing STEM careers.

Hayley captivated the pupils by showcasing the myriad career opportunities within environmental science, weaving in the chemistry behind the field. She shared insights from her diverse career so far, illustrating how chemistry is integral to addressing environmental challenges—whether in analyzing pollutants, monitoring water quality, or developing sustainable materials. She explained that environmental scientists often study chemical reactions occurring in nature, such as those between pollutants and naturally occurring substances, to understand how they affect ecosystems and human health. Through her stories, students gained a new perspective on how chemistry isn’t just about reactions in a lab but is vital for protecting our planet and shaping a sustainable future.

She shared how she has adapted to many roles during her time as an environmental scientist, and the pupils were particularly curious about her experiences at Plymouth Aquarium and Dartmoor Zoo. Hayley shared stories of working with Big Cats, engaging visitors, and feeding the fascinating fish at the aquarium. She also discussed her current role working at Climate Care Cornwall and the other careers available to people working for Climate Care Cornwall.

Climate Care Cornwall is dedicated to raising awareness about climate change and promoting sustainable practices within the community. Hayley focuses on providing educational workshops and resources to schools to enhance understanding of climate change, its impacts, and the importance of sustainability. Climate Care Cornwall also offer community engagement initiatives include developing and implementing projects like tree planting, recycling programs, and energy conservation efforts to reduce carbon footprints.

Quote from Hayley Hill: “ Planning and watching the Big Cats take part in an enrichment activity has been a highlight of my career, however, I am now doing what I always wanted to do”

Through this engaging approach, pupils explored the significant impact they can make by pursuing careers in environmental science.

Hayley at Dartmoor Zoo.

Environmental Science Career pathways

Cooking Extravaganza!

Chemistry and CookingRecently, an inspirational culinary class was conducted with Mark Lewin from Cornwall Hospitality Collective and Truro and Penwith College alongside the Manager of The Tallend Bay Hotel, Jack Ashby-Wright.

EBP, generously funded by The Royal Society of Chemistry, is committed to delivering workshops that actively engage students in exploring future career paths. In partnership with Liskeard School and Community College, the aim is to cultivate enthusiasm among students for the fascinating realm of chemistry and its diverse career prospects.

During the session Mark took the pupils through the chemistry involved in cooking, explaining the various chemical reactions that occur when preparing a bacon sandwich. As the bacon sizzled, he highlighted how heat causes the proteins in the meat to denature and change structure, creating new flavours and textures. The Maillard reaction was also discussed, a key process responsible for browning and the delicious savoury flavours that develop when the bacon cooks. As the bread toasted, Mark explained the chemical changes in the starches, turning them from a soft, flexible structure into a crispy, golden crust. This practical demonstration connected the science of cooking to everyday experiences, helping students understand how chemistry plays a crucial role in transforming raw ingredients into the food they enjoy.

Followed by Jack, the Tallend Bay Hotel manager, who focused on front of house service. During this part of the session students acquired valuable front-of-house skills and insights into delivering five-star dining experiences. Part of the session was purely focused on front of house skills. Etiquette, customer service, team work, communication and building confidence, which are important transferable skills. Mark and Jack promoted not just full-time careers in their profession but also meaningful part time work experience for those looking to build skills and add to their CV.

The students had a great time and got to lay their own place settings, serve their fellow pupils and were challenged to see who could make the best BLT. It was a delight to see all pupils come out of their shells and get involved. This proved to be an inspirational way to show them there are great careers in the hospitality profession.

Jack has now formed a relationship with the school and is working on taking the school and it's pupils to the hotel.

Mark and Jack

Cheers to Chemistry

Climate Conscious

EBP are working in collaboration with the RSC, who are funding us to deliver engaging workshops that promote chemistry based STEM careers in Cornwall.

Pupils at Liskeard School and Community College recently had the opportunity to participate in an inspiring Climate Careers session led by Hayley Hill, an environmental scientist. The session aimed to raise awareness and ignite young minds' interest in pursuing STEM careers.

During the session, Hayley engaged the pupils by showcasing the myriad career opportunities within environmental science. As part of her role at Climate Care Cornwall, Hayley utilises educational films to effectively teach students about climate change, fostering a deeper understanding of this critical issue. In these lessons, Hayley also introduces the chemistry of the oceans and their crucial role in regulating Earth’s climate. For instance, the oceans act as a major carbon sink, absorbing about a quarter of the CO2 we emit into the atmosphere. She explains how carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, forming carbonic acid (H2CO3), which lowers the ocean's pH and can lead to ocean acidification. This chemical process impacts marine life, particularly organisms that rely on calcium carbonate to form shells and skeletons, such as corals and shellfish. By integrating these chemistry concepts, Hayley helps students understand how the oceans, through their chemical processes, are both part of the climate solution and an indicator of the challenges posed by climate change.

Climate Workshop

Past Pupil

Mark Lewin from the Cornwall Hospitality Collective visited Wadebridge School along with chefs from Rick Stein's restaurant to share their expertise on the hospitality trade and to educate young people about potential careers in the industry. During their visit, they conducted a cooking presentation that showcased professional culinary techniques, with a focus on the chemistry behind cooking. For example, students learned how heat causes proteins in the fish to denature, changing their structure and making them easier to digest. They also discovered the role of Maillard reaction in browning the fish, which not only enhances its flavour but also creates the delicious, crispy texture we associate with perfectly cooked seafood. The students then had the chance to apply these chemical principles in a hands-on cooking experience, where they prepared and ate the fish themselves. This practical session provided valuable culinary skills, while also giving them a taste of how chemistry is essential in the kitchen and in shaping a career in hospitality.

The pupils were especially fortunate to meet two top chefs who had attended Wadebridge School themselves, offering a tangible example of what can be achieved with passion and dedication. All the students thoroughly enjoyed the experience, which highlighted how Wadebridge School actively promotes careers in Cornwall and integrates STEM learning in a creative and engaging way. This event underscores the school's commitment to providing students with diverse career insights and practical experiences, enriching their educational journey.

This enriching experience at Wadebridge School was generously funded by the Royal Society of Chemistry and presented by the Education Business Partnership at Cornwall Council. Their support made it possible for students to engage with industry professionals, gain hands-on culinary skills, and explore potential careers in the hospitality trade. Such initiatives underscore the importance of collaborative efforts in enhancing educational opportunities and promoting STEM learning in creative and practical ways.

Culinary Delight

Fabulous Fish