There were 2 recent visits to the Coláiste Science department
Laurie Ryan from UL Department of Science Education presented a chemistry show to all of Transition Years and Third Year Science classes. There were lots of fizzes and bangs, burning money that didn’t burn, expanding marshmallows, weird drinks and all finished off with a massive explosion in a plastic water bottle. Many of the students said that they would choose science subjects for their Leaving Certificate after seeing the presentation.
A group of 3 postgraduates from UCC (Irish branch of the Royal Society of Chemistry) led by Dr. Trevor Carey, visited the school with their presentation, ‘Spectroscopy in a suitcase’. The presentation was given to the chemistry students of Fifth and Sixth year. Spectroscopy is used to find out what substances are present in a material and then used to determine how much of that substance is present. The instruments used were and Ultra Violet spectrometer and an Infra Red Spectrometer.
The students carried out the analyses themselves of 3 common drugs. They all enjoyed their experience.
