Teamwork and practical chemistry skills were put to the test recently as 13 schools competed to be Top of the Bench in the RSC Bristol and District Region local heats.


















Using equipment at the award-winning Bristol ChemLabS, teams of four students from each school had to organise their own time in order to do three experiments and complete a quiz. Expert staff from Bristol University outreach team were on hand to ensure that everyone worked safely.

Although the competitors had to work hard to complete everything within the time, they also thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Talking to several members of the teams, participants said the event was “loads of fun!” and that the experience had been “really good!”

So to the results – in 1^st place it was Cheltenham Ladies College, Sidcot School came second and Cheltenham College were third. The winning team will go forward to the National finals.
 
If you think your school has some keen, budding chemists who are prepared to put in an extra effort why not consider entering a team of your own! In the meantime you could also encourage your students to enter our science communication competition for the Bill Bryson Prize.

Beth Anderson is RSC Regional Coordinator for South West England and works with the education team.
Contact her at beth.anderson@bristol.ac.uk