All Chemistry for the Gifted and Talented articles
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ResourceSolutions | Stretch and challenge | 11–14 years
Challenge learners to apply logical reasoning and their knowldge of particle model to explain experimental observations
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ExtensionBoiling point: a surprising measurement | Stretch and challenge | 11–14 years
Develop critical thinking skills by guiding learners to evaluate possible explanations for an unexpected experimental result
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ExtensionBonding models | Stretch and challenge | 14–16 years
Challenge learners to explore alternative models, using plasticine and cocktail sticks
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ExtensionIonic bonding and electron transfer | Stretch and challenge | 14–16 years
Learners evaluate and discuss ideas about ionic bonding, the formation of ions and energetics
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ResourceRates and equilibria
This activity demonstrates the links between the topics of rates of reaction and the equilibrium law. It provides students with an explanation of the equilibrium law and helps them explain why Le Chatelier’s principle works for temperature, concentration and pressure.
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ResourceOrganising your understanding
Three activities that progressively stretch learners’ understanding of these key topics using Venn-like diagrams to organise information
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ResourceSwimming pool chemistry | 16–18 years
Synoptic questions explore structure and bonding, equilibrium and spectrometry and spectroscopy in the context of swimming pools
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ResourceShapes of molecules and ions
This activity draws some extra concepts and mathematical skills into the discussion of molecular shape. A distinction between geometry around the central atom and the shape of the molecule is made.
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ResourceThe second law of thermodynamics
This activity aims to introduce the topic in a way that uses the students’ synthesis skills to piece together several pieces of information.
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ResourceOxidation numbers
This activity introduces oxidation numbers by giving a conceptual foundation for them in terms of electron accounting and polar bonds. It then shows how the model used so far needs refining.
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ResourceOrganic reaction maps
This activity encourages the use of mind maps to organise information. It also highlights where oxidation and reduction are involved in transformations between functional groups.
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ResourceMixing drinks
The activity uses two methods to develop metacognition. First, students are asked to solve a problem and then reflect on the thinking styles that they used. In the other method students discuss four modelled thinking styles of fictional students.
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ResourceOdd one out (organic)
This activity should encourage a rapid consideration of the range of concepts met in organic chemistry.
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ResourceFormal charge
This activity introduces formal charge – a useful tool which otherwise might not be taught. The formal charge model treats bonds as pure covalent, in contrast to the oxidation state model which treats bonds as ionic.
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ResourceEntropy and equilibrium
This activity shows the students the fundamental link between entropy and equilibrium and increases students’ understanding of scientific models. It highlights the importance of mathematical descriptions in physical chemistry.
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ResourceCurly arrows and stereoselectivity
This activity develops the use of curly arrows. If you have some very able students in a group, then there is an opportunity for differentiation by giving them a chance to draw curly arrow mechanisms for whatever reactions they meet.
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ResourceCovalent bonding
This activity seeks to develop an understanding of covalent bonding in terms of energetic stability rather than full shells.
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ResourceA new kind of alchemy
This presents some cutting edge research for post-16 students in a context that they can appreciate. It shows the students there are still big ideas to be explored in chemistry and should promote research as a career choice.
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ResourceTrends in reactivity in the periodic table
This could be used to follow up some work on the periodic table where the trends in reactivity in groups 1 and 7 have been identified. It can be used as a differentiated activity for the more able students within a group.