ChemistryLab Gadolin

ChemistryLab Gadolin is a versatile, active learning environment which offers fascinating experiences for schools and educational institutions. Our goal is to support teaching and learning in chemistry, promote interest in chemistry, increase awareness of the extensive field of chemistry, provide information about studies and careers in chemistry, and offer experiences of learning chemistry.

ChemistryLab Gadolin is located at the Kumpula campus of the University of Helsinki's Department of Chemistry and it is Finland's oldest and only LUMA Science Classroom solely dedicated to promoting chemistry science education. This year, we celebrate our 15-year journey in science education and research.

The focus of our work is on active study visits. During these visits, educational groups from different levels get to engage in experimental work in a real university laboratory. These hands-on study visits provide experiences in the field of chemistry and information about chemistry-related studies and career options. Participants also have the opportunity to learn about the possibilities and research within the Department of Chemistry and meet with researchers and visit their research laboraoties. Distance study visits, remote workshops, and Virtual Gadolin serve the entire Finland. The study visits are free of charge. The content of the visits is always planned with the teacher of the group, with the educational goals in mind.

We are a part of LUMA Centre Finland and collaborate with schools, the scientific community, teacher education, and the business sector, among others. ChemistryLab Gadolin is supported by various organizations, including The Chemical Industry Federation of Finland, Neste Corporation, BASF, Borealis Polymers, Kemira, Linde Gas, Finnish Bioindustries, and Thermo Fisher Scientific. For more detailed information, you can explore our activities and history in ChemistryLab Gadolin: 15 years of inspiring innovations for science education (PDF) from our online publications.

 

Chemistry Experiments

ChemistryLab Gadolin offers a broad selection of experiments which the teacher of the group can request when reserving the study visit. The instructions can be freely used for teaching chemistry. Always work safely!

Study Vis­it to ChemistryLab Gadolin

The topics of study visits are linked to sustainability, materials and health and well-being and designed to support the national core curriculum. The schedule and duration of the visit can be freely chosen in our reservation calendar. Decide which time would suit you best before you call.

The duration of the visit can range from one to eight hours. According to your wishes, the study visit can feature experimental laboratory work, molecular modelling on a computer, visits to research laboratories, a general introduction or a tour of the Kumpula Campus. The study visit will be designed to support the teaching goals for the group, in terms of both content and methods, and to support the pupils’ interest in chemistry.

The study visits are supervised by the part-time supervisors of ChemistryLab Gadolin. Our supervisors are students of chemistry who have been trained to work as Gadolin supervisors.

For English speaking groups, contact us at kemianluokkagadolin@helsinki.fi.

 

ChemistryLab Gadolin provides school groups an excellent environment to visit a real chemistry laboratory. Our laboratory has many traditional laboratory tools as well as the latest in laboratory technology. Our equipment includes a FTIR spectrometer, spectrophotometers and other automated analysis instruments. Gas experiments can be conducted and observed using helium, carbon dioxide and liquid nitrogen.

We offer a clear basic understanding of research methods in chemistry as well as the theories behind the experiments. The teaching supports the pupils’ understanding and interest and motivates them to think and discover things independently. We follow the method of inquiry-based learning and give pupils the role of a researcher.

Our laboratories have a sufficient number of lab coats, protective eyewear and safety gloves. These are basic equipment for researchers and chemistry students whenever they work at a laboratory. With us, science is safe and interesting.

Science parties

Are you looking for an exciting way to have a memorable birthday party or other celebration? In ChemistryLab Gadolin we organize popular chemistry related science parties. We offer different theme packages or can plan a custom party based on your wishes. 

In science parties you will get to learn and experience new and fascinating things in an authentic laboratory environment. During the party you will be taken care of by our trained and capable Gadolin instructors. 

Location and contact information

ChemistryLab Gadolin is located at the Cumpula Campus of University of Helsinki. You can find us from the first floor of the Chemicum-buiding at address A. I. Virtasen aukio 1, Helsinki, Finland.

E-mail: kemianluokkagadolin@helsinki.fi

Telephone: +358 294150400