Mini Professors: A Day of Chemical Reactions, Surprises and Playground Rockets!

What an exciting and fascinating session we had with Professor Lee as the children became real-life scientists, exploring the magical world of chemical reactions!

The children discovered that a chemical reaction happens when two or more substances mix together and change into something completely new. But rather than stopping at science definitions, we explored chemical reactions through examples the children could easily relate to in everyday life.

We began by talking about something many of the children had seen before — an apple turning brown after a bite is taken. The children were fascinated to learn that this happens because enzymes inside the apple react with oxygen in the air, changing the colour of the fruit.

Next, we explored the science behind baking cakes. What starts as a mixture of ingredients transforms completely once heat is added in the oven. We discussed how many chemical reactions need heat to make changes happen, causing things to rise, harden, change texture and even change colour.

This led us to the wonderfully named Maillard reaction — the science behind foods browning when cooked. Suddenly toast, biscuits and cakes became examples of chemistry in action!

The excitement continued as we explored the explosive science of fireworks. The children learned that heat triggers chemical reactions that create spectacular light, sound and colourful displays in the sky.

We also discovered that chemical reactions are happening inside our bodies every day. Through digestion, our gastric juices break down food and turn it into energy, helping us grow, move and play.

The children were intrigued to learn about rusting metals, discovering how water and oxygen react with metal to form rust. We talked about why cars are treated with protective coatings to stop them rusting in the rain.

One of the favourite hands-on activities of the day involved cleaning coins using a vinegar and salt mixture. The children were amazed as dull coins transformed before their eyes, becoming shiny and bright again through a chemical reaction. There were plenty of surprised faces as the children proudly showed off their sparkling coins!

We also watched a fascinating video showcasing even more examples of chemical reactions, including fizzy drinks bubbling, sparklers fizzing and the famous elephant toothpaste experiment.

To finish our science adventure, we headed outside for the much-anticipated Mentos and fizzy drink experiment — and it certainly did not disappoint! Although our rocket didn’t quite go to plan and spectacularly malfunctioned, the playground was covered in spurting fizzy liquid, much to the children’s delight. It was the perfect reminder that even when experiments go wrong, science can still be absolutely awesome!

A huge thank you to Professor Lee for bringing science to life in such an exciting, engaging and memorable way. The children loved every minute of their chemical reaction adventure and left feeling inspired, curious and full of scientific wonder!Mini Professors: A Day of Chemical Reactions, Surprises and Playground Rockets!

Y5 Mini Professors - Chemical Reactions