The Royal Australian Chemical Institute held the annual Tas Titration competition in Term 3, giving students, including teams from Don College, the opportunity to prove their prowess in chemistry titration. 

Don College students did extremely well, gaining second, third, fourth and fifth places in the Senior Division of the competition. The school only entered five teams, but they managed to beat all the other colleges involved, pipped only by our Burnie-based counterparts from Hellyer College who received first place.

Three of the Don College teams were successful in making it through to the National Finals.

Chemistry student, Smitakshi Sinha is one of the students who took part and will be going through to the National competition. Here are her reflections on the event: 

What was challenging?

The competition felt like another day in chemistry titrating. The only thing was, we had limited time and resources, one small mistake and it was all over. It was challenging to know when to stop titrating and it was nerve-wracking when our solutions were getting more and more pink as they turned clear after a few seconds. Shooting over the end-point resulted in a bright fuchsia/magenta colour which was pretty to look at, but not pretty for the group results.

What felt rewarding to achieve in the competition? 

It was rewarding to obtain the perfect pale pink coloured solution. It was rewarding to obtain results within close proximity to each other. It was also rewarding when our school placed second, third and fourth in the state with precise and accurate results close to the unknown solution provided to each student. With three teams entering the National Titration Competition, we hope to achieve high results.

The aim of the competition is to encourage students who enjoy Chemistry - especially practical Chemistry - and to recognise proficiency.

We congratulate all the students involved and those winning places from both Don and Hellyer Colleges and Craig Gilmour for his wonderful leadership in Chemistry at Don College.