NATIONAL chemistry week went off with a bang at a Redbridge school this week as students tested their science skills with a range of unusual experiments.

Youngsters at Wanstead High School, in Redbridge Lane West, produced a number of startling chemical reactions using ordinary foods and sweets to mark the annual event which is run every two years by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Science teacher at the school, Simira Younas, said the pupils were shocked by some of the results.

She said: "This year the theme was ‘food,' and the science department couldn't resist the opportunity to celebrate it with a range of food-related activities.

"It's amazing what you can make with some corn syrup (fake snot), vegetable oil (lava lamps) and custard (bouncy balls).

"Even Skittles were subjected to torture and Alka Seltzers made students jump.

"Every lunchtime the science labs were packed to the brim with enthusiastic students of all age groups, eager to test their chemical skills.

"Some of the boys were particularly good at making bath salts."

Ms Younas said that another highlight of the week was the use of outside lessons - during which students showed off their artistic skills by painting the Elements of the Periodic Table on canvas blocks.

She said: "These will be proudly displayed in the science department alongside some photos as reminders of the really fun week we all had."