Upper Primary

The highly esteemed visiting Victorian industrialist, Dr James ‘Paraffin’ Young presents an enlightened class on fuels and hydrocarbons in terms that can be easily understood.

Lasting for a class period, Dr Young’s presentation gives an insight into Victorian life and a taste of simple chemistry as well as touching on modern day problems such as pollution, conservation of finite resources and waste disposal.

His talk is coloured by his personal memories of his early life, David Livingstone, his adventures, hobbies and Durris House, Aberdeenshire, one of his favourite holiday homes.

“Thank you for sending us ‘Paraffin’ Young

He wasn’t dumb he was so much fun!

He came along with his accent and big grey beard.

When he showed us things it was very weird.

He taught us all about different types of oil.

People that used his clever method had to be loyal

He became a very rich man

Without him we wouldn’t have the petrol can.

We wish he would come back

With his baldy wig and crooked back.”

Poem by Primary Six, Maddiston Primary School, Falkirk

Chemistry teacher’s comments following Dr ’Paraffin’ Young’s visits

Keith Grammar S3 Classes

Highly relevant to Standard Grade Course (Chemistry)

Entertaining and informative

Excellent. 

Could see real life relevance of Chemistry

Lossiemouth High School S3 Classes

Set at the right level and pace

Excellent introduction to future topic on fuels

Albyn School S4 Classes

History and Chemistry in an enliving form

Excellent

Quite a few pupils thought he was the real Paraffin Young

Saw the relevance of chemistry in real life

Mearns Academy S4 Classes

Excellent

Pitched at the correct level

Entertaining interactive, thought provoking and informative

Just the right length of time (about one hour)

Revisited an area of the curriculum that they covered so very good way or revising the material

Several ethical isses presented which challenged them and highlighted to them the importance of

Scottish scientists in the past

Claire Bethell, Buckie High School

“A very well- presented and interesting performance – it put them in the right ‘frame of mind’ for the fuel topics”

Lindsey May, Mearns Academy

”Involving the pupils was an excellent idea – they seemed keen to join in

John Owen, Glenalmond College

“ 1 hour very well spent – a real treat to watch. It really will help us get Chemistry going with the year group, particularly as you so often repeated ‘Chemistry is easy’!”

George Mitchell, Banchory Academy

“Though not ‘deep’ in Chemistry content, the presentation made an excellent entry into Hydrocarbon Chemistry which we will soon be starting. Exceptionally good – a novel experience for pupils. It stimulated their appetite for Chemistry – a new dimension was added to their learning experiences.”

Jaqueline Bisset, Keith Grammar School

“Good background on distillation and coal/oil fractionation. Excellent – pupils well informed and entertained – some thought he really was ‘Paraffin’ Young!