The following activities took pkace as part of 'Elements' on Friday 8 April 2011:

 

• 

  Arsenic on trial

  Witness Napoleon, Mme Bovary and historic poisoners while taking part in a mini courtroom drama where the judge and prosecution will call on the audience to testify as both witnesses and jury. What will be the verdict in the famous arsenic murder trials?

• 

  Quicksilver plinths

  Marvel at ornamental pools of deadly mercury, the only liquid metal. Celebrated for its beauty, these rippling, reflecting installations show the bewitching and lethal beauty of this unique element.

• 

  The oxygen bar

  The average breath we take is just 21 per cent oxygen. Step up to the oxygen bars to sample a breath of pure oxygen and experience the full sensation, claimed to be one of nature's restorative tonics.

• 

  The iodine messy play area

  Use iodine to disinfect yourself, check potatoes for starch, measure the temperature and tell the time.

• 

  The antioxidant trolley

  Join TV presenter, food writer and self-styled gastronaut Stefan Gates as he spills the beans about antioxidants from his greengrocer's barrow.

• 

  Explore paintings made of arsenic

  Artists' pigments, such as vermilion (based on mercury) and many greens (based on compounds of arsenic), are among the most beautiful and deadly chemicals.

• 

  Cornelius Drebbel and his mystery submarine

  With the help of some exciting and interactive chemical demonstrations learn how oxygen may have been discovered by early alchemists.