Analytical Chemistry Challenge for Secondary Students (2026/27)

Introduction

The Analytical Chemistry Challenge for Secondary Students (2026/27) is jointly organised by the Science Education Section, Education Bureau (EDB) and the Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU). The Competition aims to promote students' engagement and interest in chemistry through practical work and problem-solving involving real-life applications. Participants will enhance their experimental skills, scientific inquiry, and appreciation for the role of analytical chemistry in daily life.

Details

Phase 1: Preliminary Heat

Period:

Jan – Apr 2027

Activity:

Students in teams of 2 or 3 will conduct an assigned experiment focused on analytical chemistry in daily life and complete a related worksheet.
The experiment may involve common techniques of analytical chemistry included in the Chemistry curriculum, such as volumetric and qualitative analyses, thin layer chromatography, liquid-liquid extraction and colorimetry.
The duration of the practical session for the Preliminary Heat is about 1.5 - 2 hours.

Outcome:

Responsible teacher needs to select a best-performing team from their school with reference to the marking scheme of the corresponding experiment.
The best-performing team will
- receive an award certificate; and
- become eligible for the shortlisting assessment.
Other teams will receive a participation certificate.
Teachers-in-charge and laboratory technician will also receive Certificates of Appreciation in recognition of their efforts in conducting the Preliminary Heat

Shortlisting Assessment

Period:

22 May 2027 (Saturday) [Tentative]

Outcome:

The top 16 teams will advance to Phase 2

Phase 2: Final Competition

Period:

Jun – July 2027

Eligibility for Participation

All secondary schools (government, aided, and DSS) are invited to participate. The competition is open to students in S4-S6 who are currently studying Chemistry as an elective subject under the local school curriculum framework. Each school should nominate a minimum of 4 to a maximum of 15 teams consisting of 2 to 3 students each.
Students who participated in the Preliminary Heat of the Challenge in the 2024/25 or 2025/26 school year can participate again, provided that the experiment selected by the school for the Preliminary Heat in the 2026/27 school year is different from the experiment the students conducted during their past participation.

Application Method

Application form
Interested schools should complete the application form and return it to the Science Education Section, EDB by email (cpsc@edb.gov.hk) on or before 8 January 2027 (Friday).

Results of Analytical Chemistry Challenge for Secondary Schools