We’ve booked to take our Y8s to the Big Bang Fair in June. I’d be interested to hear if any schools have some good strategies for how to ensure the students get the most from the visit - so much to see and do.
We have just had a statue of Ada Lovelace unveiled in Hinckley town centre as she was born in a nearby village, so I definitely need to read ‘The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage.’ Thanks for compiling the list ;-)
How can you make Chemistry the best department in school? Tell a story with an added WOW factor for National Story Telling Week 2026 of course 💥
edu.rsc.org/ideas/combin...
🔥 A jaw-dropping demo can spark curiosity, but how do you keep that flame alive? Discover the secret to turning excitement into lasting learning 💡
edu.rsc.org/ideas/combin...
#iteachchem
Delighted to see this go live. Looking forward to using it with Y13 to compare the different types of chromatography and introduce them to how the techniques are used in industry. #chatchemistry
10 labs 3 prep rooms currently
What analogies do you use to help students understand collision theory?
Love the idea of children playing in a playground mentioned in this article.
#iteachchem
Are your Y13s struggling to decipher exam questions on acids and bases? Download the revision tree from this resource to help them with those last minute revision panics.
#Alevel #Chemistry
Another great article on practical work in Chemistry from ianmcdaid.bsky.social I’ll be giving a good few of these a go in future lessons.
First time in several years I’ve taught the rock cycle. Time for a game or two of ‘Roll N Rock’ with Y8. Any misconceptions about there being just one route round the rock cycle busted!
edu.rsc.org/infographics...
Having experienced colleagues who are confident enough to share being caught out by a good question and discuss it informally over lunch can really change the culture in a department.
100% agree. This is why retention of experienced staff is vital. Although you might think you have good subject knowledge only by teaching the content do you realise your own knowledge gaps. There is nothing like being asked ‘But why…’ or ‘What if….’ for seeing if you really understand a concept.
Concentrate 14–16 learners' minds on solubility with this article by @catsmi.bsky.social full of ideas and teaching strategies #SciTeachUK #scienceteachers #teachingtips
edu.rsc.org/cpd/how-to-t...
Thanks for the video. Its logic is so counter intuitive especially for students not strong in maths. Adds an extra level of complexity to already difficult calculations.
Does anyone know if there is a way to change the settings on the new version of the Casio Classwiz so that the x10^ in a number in standard form is bound to the number? Alternatively does anyone have recommendations for the best calculator for non-mathsy A-level students?
Some great practicals in this sequence. I’m embarrassed to admit I’ve never reacted chlorine with sodium (mainly because of the requirement for a gas jar of chlorine) but this has reminded me I must get it into my repertoire.
Why don't scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything!
For some slightly more educational information on atomic structure and tips on how to teach it, read @chemDrK's article here - https://buff.ly/3CDZF2q
My latest article for @rsc-eic.bsky.social on how to teach atomic structure at 14-16 includes common misconceptions to look out for (and the RADAAR resource I developed at @theeef.bsky.social )
edu.rsc.org/cpd/how-to-t...
Thanks for sharing this Dave. As a student my secondary school had an unofficial (I think) motto of ‘Success is its own reward.’ We all bought in as a result I believe of being guided to develop the human needs you list.
Great to see this go live. Do have a look at the linked resource if you’re about to teach transition metals; a nice practical with synoptic questions covering the different types of isomerism from across the curriculum.
Not chemistry but we had a great lesson last week investigating energy transfers with this PhET simulation. How does the mass and starting height of the skate boarder (the dog of course) affect their final speed? phet.colorado.edu/en/simulatio...
We’re watching Digging for Britain. The potter has just referred to iron oxide as a molecule. Sigh.
My class did a question today where they had to draw measuring rate with a syringe. Seemed very GCSE but in an old A-level paper.
Straight back to teaching tomorrow with a 5 period day; Y9, Y8, Y11, Y10 and finishing with Y13 being introduced to buffers. Wish me luck ;-0
Excellent suggestions in this blog for simple tweaks to your lesson that can help improve learning.
Some great advice for teaching Conservation of Mass at 14-16 in this article. Discussion of the foundational work of Kanada is an excellent example of how to add diversity to the curriculum #chatchemistry
edu.rsc.org/cpd/teaching...
This pen is a game changer. I’ve had the same board pen for 8 wks and refilled 4 times, each time as good as new. So nice not to be throwing away plastic every few weeks ;-)
Thanks for the update. Definitely sounds like something I need to give a go.
