1,000 students break world record for biggest chemistry lesson
In a successful kick-off to Chemistry Week in Flanders, more than 1,000 schoolchildren gathered at Technopolis to break the Guinness World Record for the largest chemistry lesson
Chemistry Week underway
The Flemish record initiative was organised by Technopolis and Essencia, the federation for the chemicals, plastics and life-sciences industries. The event will now be included in the Guinness World Records.
The lesson was led by Flemish meteorologist Frank De Boosere and education minister Hilde Crevits. Among other experiments, children learned to make hair gel and “super slime” and how to produce fizzy gasses that overflowed their cylinders.
“It’s of the utmost importance that we keep on encouraging an interest in science and technology among youngsters,” said Crevits. “Youngsters have to know that these studies are a positive choice and will provide them with opportunities for success later in higher education and the job market.”
The initiative kicked off Essencia’s Chemistry Week. On 9 and 10 May, the chemistry sector hosts Open Door Days, with Technopolis launching its first Chemistry Festival, the result of a co-operation between several Flemish universities, colleges and research centres.
Photo courtesy Technopolis
