​Boys and girls from Académie d’Amiens of the Carlepont school group, a member of the UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet), took the bus on the morning of 29 January to UNESCO Headquarters in Paris to take part in 1001 Inventions: Journeys from Alchemy to Chemistry.

Some thirty pupils, aged 9 to 10 years, their school principal, and some chaperoning parents participated in the educational event. The visit to UNESCO, which was their first, was part of the official launch of the International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements (2019).

The children were involved in a new educational initiative which British organization 1001 Inventions is conducting in partnership with UNESCO to teach children about the role played by science, by chemistry and its applications, in sustainable development.

Upon arriving at the Organization, the little ones were dazzled by an interactive exhibit and the hands-on learning of chemistry experiments open to everyone. Together with Parisian schoolchildren, they watched an animated film about how ancient cultures and civilizations helped build the very foundations of modern chemistry; notably, the film taught them about eighth-century polymath Jabir ibn Hayyan. In addition, they all attended a live show full of interesting lessons and historical facts. They also enthusiastically participated in scientific experiments related to the periodic table, learning how to change the colour of a liquid and how to make soap.

The ASPnet students and accompanying adults left UNESCO with excitement in their eyes – and with plenty of educational material to share with their Carlepont school group friends so that they can all continue their scientific adventure together.