Pupils from Sutton-in-Craven Community Primary School were given ‘hands-on’ experience in a real laboratory to help bring their science lessons to life during a school trip to Cross Hills company, Airedale Chemical.
Thirty year four pupils visited the site for a day of experiments tied in with the ‘Living things’ theme they are currently studying as part of their science curriculum. The trip was planned by Airedale Chemical in a bid to inspire scientists of the future with an insight into a career in chemistry.
The children carried out activities in the research and development laboratory exploring how penguins stay dry, why animals need blubber and learned to grow their own crystals. They were also given a virtual tour of the site, following the journey of its products from order to dispatch and allowed to explore the fleet of specially equipped wagons.
The day was rounded off with a quiz and two lucky pupils won their own chemistry set to create their own experiments at home.
Group head of marketing at Airedale Chemical, Daniel Marr, said: “It has been an absolute delight to host the year four pupils from Sutton-in-Craven Community Primary School. They showed real interest and enthusiasm so hopefully we have inspired the next generation of chemists and sparked a greater interest in STEM subjects at school.”
Year four teacher, David Horton, commented: “This visit to Airedale Chemical has brought a new dimension to the children’s understanding of ‘Living Things’ and any out-of-class lessons help to bring the subject to life.
“It was also interesting for the pupils to learn more about Airedale Chemical and how the site operates. A couple of children even said they would like to work there when they’re older so they clearly enjoyed the outing.”
trip was part of a new partnership developed between Airedale Chemical and Sutton-in-Craven Community Primary School, inspired by the company’s celebrations marking 25 years based in Cross Hills. It is also one of a number of initiatives rolled out by the Airedale Foundation, the charitable arm of the Airedale Chemical group.
Daniel added: “This was the first time we have hosted a visit like this but it has been such a success we plan to make this an annual event and look forward to hosting many more year groups in the future.”
To find out more about Airedale Chemical visit https://www.airedalechemical.com