Hosted by Murdoch University’s School of Engineering and IT technical resources manager Andrew Foreman, the show demonstrated explosions with cryogens and other gases and introduced local years 5 and 6 students to the realm of solution chemistry.
Mr Foreman said demonstrations played an important role in building primary school students’ ability to understand science, which could ultimately lead to a career in the field.
“It’s important to get the message out there that science is not as hard or scary as people think. It’s something we can all do,” he said.
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“The world needs to develop scientists so we can keep making advances in those fields, so in the School of Engineering and IT we are engaging with the local school communities to get a greater knowledge of STEM subjects out there.”
Students assisted with some experiments, experienced fiery balloon explosions, the colour reactions of chemicals and the frosty bite of dry ice and liquid nitrogen.
Mel Maria Primary School teacher Jade Elvin said the event was unforgettable for her students and that it was difficult to teach students at a primary level the chemical component of science.
“They were thoroughly engaged the entire time – I have never seen them quite so excited about science before,” she said.
This year Mr Foreman presented at the Perth Science Festival and also delivered the show to 700 early high school students in June.