The TOTB challenge 2011 consisted of two elements – a chemistry quiz and a practical challenge.  The chemistry quiz was made up of 10 questions testing the students knowledge about a full variety of chemistry topics – the clinching question from the whole quiz was being asked to draw all the isomers of hexane!  All teams found this one very challenging.

The practical part of the challenge saw the students mixing together quantities of sodium hydrogen carbonate and citric acid in water to reduce the temperature of 20 cm³ of water to precisely 10.5°C.  Each team had an hour to investigate the properties of the compounds and the exact masses needed to get the required temperature.  Then the challenge began!  Each team in turn had to mix their compounds together for 60 seconds after which the temperature of the resulting solution was measured.  Points were awarded for how close the team were to the target temperature.

Before a break for lunch Dr Alan-Shaun Wilkinson from the University of Derby carried out a demonstration of making ice cream with liquid nitrogen – the tasty results of the demo were welcomed by everyone!
During lunch the quiz results were combined with the practical results so the overall winner could be announced.  This year Nottingham High School were crowned East Midlands Top of the Bench Champions!  We wish them the best of luck at the National Finals on 2April and we’re sure they will do us proud.

Finally the RSC East Midlands Local Section would like to thanks The University of Derby for hosting the event, providing a super venue and organising a brilliant practical challenge.  And also Cathy Brown, Regional Director for STEMNET, for promoting both the elimination rounds across the region and ensuring a successfully run finals.

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Dr Sarah Hill MRSC, East MidlandsLocal Section Secretary

Photo: George Peck