A science lesson to remember as class smashes world record

The world record for the largest science lesson was smashed in Belfast as more than 1,300 schoolchildren took part in a colossal chemistry class.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Feb 2015, 21:46 BST
Matthew Laughlin of Amazing Experiments entertains local primary and secondary school pupils who took part in an enquiry-based science lesson as part of a Guinness World Records attemptMatthew Laughlin of Amazing Experiments entertains local primary and secondary school pupils who took part in an enquiry-based science lesson as part of a Guinness World Records attempt
Matthew Laughlin of Amazing Experiments entertains local primary and secondary school pupils who took part in an enquiry-based science lesson as part of a Guinness World Records attempt

Year 7 and 8 pupils from primary and secondary schools across Northern Ireland packed into the Odyssey Arena to participate in a mass chromatography experiment.

This was one overcrowded classroom no one was complaining about, as the existing Guinness World Record of 982 was obliterated.

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Confirmation that 1,339 pupils had officially participated in the lesson brought cheers as loud as those that usually reverberate around the arena when the Belfast Giants ice hockey team is playing.

Pravin Patel, the Guinness World Record adjudicator, was impressed by the feat, which was staged as part of the inaugural Northern Ireland Science Festival.

“It’s an absolutely fantastic record,” he said after announcing the outcome. “They’re such an enthusiastic bunch. It’s great to see school kids taking part in a large practical lesson.”

The lead teacher for the day was Sue McGrath, aka Scientific Sue, who directed proceedings from the stage.

Related topics:BelfastNorthern Ireland