Teachers take techniques back to classrooms

Chemistry teachers from every corner of Scotland will descend on the University of St Andrews next week (Thursday 31 May 2001) to learn about the latest developments in the world of chemistry and how they can take them back to their classrooms.

The Fifth National Scottish Conference for Teachers of Chemistry will comprise of a mix of curriculum related material and talks on research at the cutting edge of chemistry by the UK’s leading experts.

Jess Cooke from Lenzie Academy near Glasgow will describe some of her ideas on curriculum development and the Royal Society of Chemistry will reveal their latest teaching materials. Meanwhile, job opportunities for chemists in the food and drink industry will be highlighted by a speaker from “Create Interest”. Modern medicinal chemistry and drug design, recently introduced into the new Advanced Higher, will be discussed by Dr Morag Easson from Organon Research while Professor Phillips from the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine will give a demonstration lecture on chemistry powered by light, including his latest research on photodynamic therapy to treat cancer. Professor Goodby from Hull, the home of liquid crystals, will close the meeting with a lecture on these very important materials which are likely to enter chemistry syllabuses in the coming years.

The event is organised by the University School of Chemistry’s Dr Nigel Botting and Dr Wilson Flood, Education Consultant. The event is supported by the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Dr Botting said, “Not only does the event give teachers the chance to see some of the new and fascinating chemistry topics which they can take back to the classroom but has also become a popular event, allowing teachers to network and discuss current issues with like-minded people.”

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS – You are invited to send a photographer/reporter to the event at the School of Chemistry, North Haugh, St Andrews on Thursday 31 May 2001. Details of the day’s programme are available from Claire Grainger, contact details below. Should you wish to send a photographer, go to the front entrance of the School of Chemistry at approximately 1.45pm.

Issued by Beattie Media on behalf of the University of St Andrews For more information please contact Claire Grainger on 01334 462530, 07730 415 015 or email [email protected] Ref: chemteachers- 2001/standrews/chg/23may2001