Exploring Chemistry at Work: Research Chemists host an interactive workshop at the Black Country Living Museum

As part of Chemistry at Work week, at the Black Country Living Museum, Robinson Brothers hosted a workshop for Key Stage 3/4 students to learn about chemistry.

This annual event aims to highlight the chemical heritage of the Black Country region, tagged-on with learning about chemistry. Research Chemists, Dr Jagjit Khera and Sophie Green, delivered chemistry workshops to young students attending from local schools. All materials for the demonstrations were purchased from supermarkets to highlight that chemistry is all around us in everyday life.

The first demonstration showed the reaction of bicarbonate of soda and vinegar producing carbon dioxide in a measuring cylinder with water, washing up liquid and food dye to produce a ‘volcano’.  Next, the students had an opportunity to make lava lamps with oil, water, food dye and effervescent antacid. The students also carried out chromatography by separating black ink on filter papers with water.

Each session was concluded with a chance to raise questions to the Research Chemists about their work experience. “This was very useful as we answered various questions regarding Robinson Brothers’ capabilities and what our job role entails. Overall this event was a valuable opportunity to showcase chemistry in a creative method, and has hopefully inspired the next generation of Chemists!” said Dr Jagjit Khera, Senior Research Chemist.

Figure (right-hand side): Sophie Green and Dr Jagjit Khera hosting a chemistry workshop at the Black Country Living Museum.

About Us
Robinson Brothers is a leading UK chemical manufacturer of intermediates for the Pharmaceutical, Agrochemical and Speciality Chemical industries as well as many others. Our team of Chemists are experts in custom synthesis, contract manufacture and process optimisation. Our experience has led us to become a reliable supplier to organisations across the world.

We will be celebrating 150 years of business in 2019! Robinson Brothers remains to be a family-owned organisation based in the Black Country region since its establishment in 1869.


Robinson Brothers Limited | West Midlands | B70 0AH UK
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External link: https://www.bclm.co.uk/educational-visits/chemistry-at-work/26.html