Winner: 2023 Inspirational Committee Award
Analytical Science Community North East Region
For the development and delivery of a major initiative in bringing chemistry to the public, in collaboration with Alnwick Garden, under the theme of 'Poisons in the Garden'.
The North East Region Analytical Science Community is a group of colleagues, collaborators and relatives who worked together to achieve an outstanding outcome on a hot weekend in July 2022 to inspire the public on the role of plant poisons as part of an RSC Outreach project.
Biography
The North East Region Analytical Science Community developed and delivered a major initiative to bring chemistry to the public. 鈥楶oisons in the Garden鈥� was a collaboration with Alnwick Garden in Northumberland.
Held over a weekend (8-10 July 2022), the event attracted over 2,200 visitors to the garden. A variety of unique fun resources to suit all ages were especially prepared for the weekend.
Short, pre-recorded presentations on four plants from the family Solanaceae (nightshade) gave visitors insight into their poisons and historic or fictional stories of their uses.
A paper chromatography activity allowed participants to separate a series of compounds to introduce the concept of separation science.
A pop-up sensory laboratory allowed participants to guess the plant type (all common kitchen herbs) by touch and smell, whilst blindfolded.鈥�
One of the most popular activities for all ages was painting with cabbage.
The main legacy of the event was the development of four unique chemistry storyboards, based around the Teacup Poisoner, the Curry Killer, Doctor Death, and the Umbrella Murder. These storyboards will be used as part of the Alnwick Garden Drugs Education Programme and will reach thousands more young people in the coming years.