Chemistry Murder Mystery Day

A day for budding young chemists to use Chemistry skills to solve a murder mystery scenario. 

Aims

The aim was to offer the opportunity to use Chemistry in a fun and meaningful way.  
 
The need was to inspire an enthusiasm for Science in primary school students, by showing how Chemistry skills can be used in exciting and real-life scenarios. 
 
For the event to be a success, we needed pupils to attend from a range of schools across the Nottingham area.  
 
Pupils and staff from 4 schools benefited from the activities.  

Background

Nottingham High School hosts an annual programme of STEM outreach events, run by our Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Maths departments. Part of the schools’ ethos is to share its facilities and STEM opportunities with other schools in the local community. The school’s Chemistry Murder Mystery Day has been running annually since 2018 (aside from 2 years exempted by COVID-19).  

Resources

For this project to succeed, we needed free access to the school’s Chemistry lab, as well as 3 members of teaching staff, 2 technicians from our Chemistry department, and 20 Sixth Form students to support the children on the day.  
 
The schools’ Head of Admissions and Partnership oversaw the invitation and booking process.  
 
Our Science Technicians prepared and maintained the lab spaces and equipment, to be ready for safe and effective use.  
 
The catering staff provided refreshments and lunch free of charge for visiting children and school staff.  
 
The event itself ran for 4 hours, with approximately 3 days of preparation time.

Impact

“Our children came away with a sense of what Chemistry is about at Senior School…and the thing they enjoyed most was the feeling that they were special as it was only a select group who attended – they also enjoyed using 'proper chemicals and equipment.'  Being the winners and having medals put the icing on the cake!” Teacher, Southwark Primary School

Pupil Involvement

16 girls and boys aged 8-9 from 4 local state primary schools, and 4 members of staff. 

Frequency

The Chemistry Murder Mystery Day runs annually.