The Dragon Darwin Experience in Pembrokeshire has launched ‘The Reaction Zone’ - an exciting new workshop for local pupils - where children can learn about the legacy and environmental impact of the Sea Empress disaster, 30 years on.

The ten workshops (made possible through funding from the Royal Society of Chemistry) are designed to ignite curiosity and inspire young scientists, the workshop features eight immersive experiments across polymer chemistry, petrochemistry, environmental chemistry, biochemistry, and more.

Since launching, The Reaction Zone has already reached 184 pupils from Templeton Community Primary School, Lamphey Primary School, and Gelliswick CIW VC School, delivering hands-on science that connects classroom learning with real-world chemistry.

One highlight of the workshop is Operation Ocean Rescue, where pupils work together to clean up a simulated oil spill while learning about the legacy and environmental impact of the Sea Empress disaster on its 30th anniversary.

The workshop also introduces polymer chemistry through the use of “instant snow,” enabling pupils to explore the surprising applications of absorbent polymers in everyday materials.

Environmental chemistry comes to life as pupils test soil from their own school grounds for three key elements essential for healthy plant growth.

Additional activities include discovering the biochemistry of deep-sea organisms through a bioluminescence demonstration, observing the famous elephant’s toothpaste reaction, and creating Mentos geyser to illustrate the difference between a physical and a chemical reaction.

Throughout the day, pupils collaborate in teams, build investigative skills, and explore the role chemistry plays in everyday life. The workshop also highlights diverse and accessible careers in chemistry, encouraging learners to see themselves as future scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers.

“We created The Reaction Zone to show young people that chemistry is not just something you read about in textbooks, it’s alive, exciting, and woven into every part of the world around us,” said Samantha Williams, the Dragon Darwin Experience Manager.

“Seeing pupils work together, ask questions, and realise that they can be scientists too is exactly why we do what we do. Thanks to the support of the Royal Society of Chemistry, we’re able to bring these opportunities directly into classrooms across Pembrokeshire.”

The next schools to take part will be Roch Community Primary School and Tenby VC School.

With only two workshop spaces remaining, schools interested in hosting The Reaction Zone for their year 5 or 6 pupils are encouraged to book soon by emailing [email protected]