Week 6 of Term 3 saw Hillcrest High School’s Level 2 Chemistry students trading their usual classrooms for the state-of-the-art labs at the University of Waikato (UOW).
This annual field trip is a highlight for budding scientists, offering a real-world glimpse into university-level practical chemistry.
The main event was a fascinating practical session focused on the synthesis and analysis of Aspirin. Under the guidance of UOW staff, students donned lab coats and safety glasses to carry out a multi-step organic synthesis reaction. The day also included another exciting analytical technique: Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). Students used TLC to analyse and identify an unknown compound.
Beyond the practical skills, the trip was a powerful experience for promoting careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Students were able to see what studying chemistry at a higher level is like, from the modern equipment to the collaborative atmosphere. This exposure is vital in helping students connect their classroom learning to potential career paths, whether in research, medicine, pharmacy, or other scientific fields. It showed them that chemistry isn’t just a subject; it’s a foundation for innovation and discovery.
