The sound of amazed and intrigued students could be heard from down the corridor as groups of year six students from local primary schools enjoyed a unique science workshop at Camborne Science and International Academy.

Almost 400 pupils, including 60 from CSIA’s year seven, were enthralled with the States of Matter Show presented by Explorer Dome, a company which runs interactive science shows across the country.

“It was a truly inspiring two days,” said Lyndsey Thomas, deputy head of science at CSIA. “Seeing each and every student so captivated by chemistry was fantastic. There was a palpable buzz in the room as the curriculum was brought to life in unusual and exciting ways.”

Led by Josh Yates, Explorer Dome presenter who is an experienced chemist, demonstrations explored solids, liquids and gases, using different substances such as liquid nitrogen and solid carbon dioxide to bring the subject alive.

“My favourite part was when they blew up a balloon with dry ice and then passed it around the room,” said year seven student Anya Morris. “We were able to watch it expand which was really cool.”

Another experiment included using liquid nitrogen, pouring it directly on to the floor seeing it condense into a fog, sinking instead of rising like steam. “Perhaps one of the most popular demo’s was the banana hammer,” said Ben Illsley, teaching assistant at CSIA. “They dipped a banana into liquid nitrogen which froze after about ten minutes and then used it to hammer a nail into a piece of wood. The students couldn’t believe what they were seeing.”

Explorer Dome delivered seven workshops over the two days to St John’s, Connor Downs, Kehelland, Roskear, Weeth, Rosemellin, Gwinear, St Meriadoc, Pencoys, Troon, Penponds, Crowan, Trevithick schools as well as the CSIA students.

“At our academy, we aim to showcase how fantastic it is to learn and engage with every aspect of the curriculum,” said Ian Kenworthy, principal at CSIA. “Scientists are an important part of the future of our world and workshops like this one help to inspire our young people to connect with science, fuelling their natural curiosity and ideas.”