Molecule challenge!

Today we were lucky enough to have a chance, through the Science Festival, to learn about molecules and how different substances are structured. 
Sandy and Lorna Smith of Science@Cwaben brought along molecule building kits and talked to us about the elements on the periodic table.

We had to follow the diagrams and instructions on the cards to build the molecules. Some of the substances were simple but others were more challenging with very complex molecules. The structures ranged from things like aspirin, caffeine, vinegar to more complicated ones like dettol, thalidomide and paracetamol. 

This is the molecular structure of the scent of roses ...

and this represents the smell of poo!

We learned that chemistry and science can be fun and that there are all sorts of opportunities for careers in science if that is what we are interested in. 

During the science festival there will be a molecule hunt in 20 of the shops in Kirkwall. There will be a different molecule on display in each shop and all you have to do is find it and identify it! 

The lucky winner will receive one of the superb molecule building kits. 

It was a great introduction to this year's science festival and we look forward to taking part in future workshops.

The molecule building is also part of the family fun day which will be taking place in King Street Halls, all day on Saturday 6th September.

Orkney Science Festival programmes are available from various outlets and on their website at:

http://oisf.org/

 Update:
Sandy and Lorna took some pictures of their visit which can be viewed using the following link:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/science-at-cwaben/sets/