Chemistry, cupcakes and cookies

Tour-de-chemistry: Tour guides (from left) Aneesa Omar and Kyle Fernandes, with audience John Bassett and Soraya Allies.

Mini-lectures, a series of 'tours-de-chemistry', practical experiments and an intervarsity/interschool quiz are just some of the events that will be hosted by UCT's Department of Chemistry in their International Year of Chemistry @ UCT programme, from 23 June to 5 July.

The International Year of Chemistry is a worldwide celebration promoted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to celebrate chemistry and its contributions to humankind, explains department head Professor Allen Rodgers. "Since UCT's chemistry department is one of the top departments of its kind in Africa, it is appropriate that we participate in this global event by showcasing our achievements, expertise and appreciation of our discipline," he says.

This is the department's first event which specifically targets the general public, says Rodgers. This includes Grade 12 learners as well as tiny tots, who will be the target audience in a demonstration featuring chemistry, cupcakes and cookies.

As part of the department's outreach programme, about 100 invitations were sent to schools in the Cape Metropole to attend the event. Presented by UCT staff and postgraduate students, the programme is part of the department's ongoing outreach programme, which includes activities throughout the year targeting mainly school learners of different ages.

Entrance is free, but tickets are required for all events. For more information, email Shanaaz.Smith, phone 021 650 5179/2712 or visit the Department of Chemistry website.