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Chemistry at Sheffield, find out more:
SheffieldChem SheffieldChem Sheffield.chem #inspiregenius
Kroto inspiration @KRI_Sheff
GEOSET Global Educational Outreach for Science Engineering and Technology, is a nonprofit educational initiative founded by Sir Harry Kroto to provide a “free resource of educational material”. www.geoset.info
Department of Chemistry.
Nanotechnology and research
Nanotechnology investigates structures and materials the size of 100 nanometres or
smaller – just like the Buckyball. A nanometre is one billionth of a metre. Discoveries at this tiny scale open up BIG possibilities across a range of subjects,
from new ways of moving drugs in the body, to making space travel safer!
Molecules hiding inside molecules!Polymer chemists at the university are fascinated by the way
polymers can form themselves into 3D shapes. Hollow spheres are of particular interest because a small
molecule can hide inside a larger one – like Russian dolls! This research could be used to carry
drug molecules into the body, or to trap and destroy toxic molecules.
Sir Harry Kroto’s workSir Harry Kroto came to the University of Sheffield
in 1958 to study chemistry. He went on to complete a PhD in molecular spectroscopy and continued work in this
research area throughout his life.
In 1985, he was part of a team of scientists working in America that discovered a new kind of carbon molecule
(alongside diamond and graphite) which he named ‘Buckminsterfullerene’. This discovery was so important that in 1996, Sir Harry was awarded the Nobel Prize in
Chemistry, and was knighted by the Queen.
Online resourcesIn the Buckyball Science Series videos, pupils can learn about
how small the Buckyball is, and where it sits on the scientific scale. They can make their very own Buckyball model as well as finding
out about marvellous molecules and chemical reactions.
www.sheffield.ac.uk/outreach/primary/kroto
Buckyballs and outreachHarry was passionate about sharing his love of science and
ran science activities with school children all around the world. The University of Sheffield continues Harry’s legacy by
running workshops to inspire and enthuse school children about Buckminsterfullerene and chemistry.
About the labThe Kroto Schools Laboratory in the
Department of Chemistry at the University of Sheffield allows groups of school pupils to
undertake hands on practical chemistry classes using university level equipment and resources that they would not have access to within school. Having undergraduate
teaching going on around the lab gives visitors a unique insight into the student experience at the university
chemistry department.
Visit www.sheffield.ac.uk/chemistry/schoolsEmail [email protected]
Funds kindly donated from the University of Sheffield Alumni Fund have enabled the Schools Laboratory
to be refurbished and to ensure the legacy of Harry’s inspirational workshop continues.
The C60 moleculeBuckminsterfullerene is an allotrope of carbon formed from 60 carbon atoms. The molecule’s arrangement of
pentagonal and hexagonal faces mimics a traditional football and gives the molecule its nickname ‘Buckyball’.
In 2010, its discovery was named by fellow academics as one of the 10 most important discoveries made
in the past 60 years.
Local school pupils enjoying the Kroto
workshop at the University of Sheffield.
