Belgium breaks the world record for the greatest chemistry lesson

1,018 pupils from primary school years five and six joined the lesson, which was packed with spectacular experiments. Accompanied by the Flemish minister of Education Hilde Crevits and weather presenter Frank Deboosere they learnt how to make hair gel, super slime and a gas fountain.

“Our aim is to introduce young people to engineering, science and chemistry in a fun way, using initiatives like the ‘greatest chemistry lesson”, says Frank Beckx, managing director at Essenscia Vlaanderen. “We particularly want to inspire today's young people and show them that chemistry plays a key role in our daily life. We hope that they will continue to be enthusiastic as their studies process and will choose a scientific or technical course.”

“By letting children discover the wonderful world of science, engineering and technology early and in a creative way, as was the case today at the ‘greatest chemistry lesson’, they can make a positive choice in their continued school career”, adds Flemish minister of Education Hilde Crevits. “Children choosing a course based on their passion turn out to be very motivated students later on.”

This world record sets the so-called chemistry week off with a bang, a week which includes open days in the sector on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May. Many companies in chemistry and life sciences will then open their doors to the general public, especially for the occasion.

For the hands-on centre Technopolis the world record fits beautifully into their 15th anniversary celebrations. On Sunday 10 May the first ever chemistry festival will be held at Technopolis: a unique collaboration between Flemish universities, colleges, research centres and knowledge centres. Using the motto ‘become a chemistry professor in 1 day’ children can carry out all sorts of chemistry experiments under expert supervision.