Royal Harbour Science Lab

In the first lab we entered, we undertook 3 brilliant experiments. The first one involved the children producing an exothermic reaction that looked like exploding volcanoes out of a conical flask. The second experiment involved a chemical reaction inside a test tube, producing a 'squeaky pop'. Finally, we found out that by adding iron filings to a wet splint then putting these into a Bunsen burner we could create homemade sparklers.

After a short break, the children got into pairs or threes and were given a safety talk about how to use a Bunsen burner. Afterwards, the children placed splints that had been dipped into various metallic chloride solutions into the flame. Incredibly, they burned different colours - which is what they use to create the colours in fireworks.

Next, the science lead set fire to her own hands - emphasising of course, that this should not be replicated at home! Actually, what happened was that methane was pumped into a bowl of water and washing-up liquid and. When the bubbles were then picked up by an adult, a lab assistant put a lit splint into the bubbles and a giant 'mushroom' flame occurred. It was a really spectacular site.