All articles by Catherine Smith
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Games and puzzlesAtoms, molecules and ions 4-in-a-line
Match the symbol or the particle diagram to the type of particle it represents. Get 4-in-a-line to win!
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IdeasScaffold learning with decision trees
Help students unravel complex topics with a decision tree – a visual support you can gradually remove
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ResourceDecision tree: what type of bonding? | 14–16 years
Use this decision tree to help your learners find answers to questions about structure and bonding by scaffolding their thinking
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ResourceDecision tree: acid, base or buffer? | 16–18 years
Help learners understand which equation they need to answer questions about acids, bases and buffers by scaffolding their thinking
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CPD articleHow to teach solubility at 14–16
Concentrate learners’ minds on the key aspects of solutions
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CPD articleTeaching isomerism at post-16
Ensure your students succeed with structural and stereoisomerism
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ResourceA practical investigation of cis-trans isomerism in transition metal complexes
Investigate isomerism in transition metal complexes with this experiment, including pre- and post-lab questions
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CPD articleTeaching structure and bonding in metals at 14–16
Help your learners to master the fundamentals of metallic bonding
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PosterHow to teach the Earth’s structure for younger students
Get to the core of the Earth’s composition with this poster, fact sheet and classroom activity
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ResourcePatient prognosis | Problem based practical activities
Dilution, colorimetry and observation skills come together to get students to adapt their chemical knowledge to support medicine.
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ResourceCompound confusion | Problem based practical activities
Explore the use of analytical methods and empirical formula to identify unlabelled chemicals.
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ResourceCool drinking | Problem based practical activities
Support students to discover the correct chemical compound to achieve a desired effect on a product, in this case a drinks container.
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ResourceIodination inquiry | Problem based practical activities
Gather data and determine the rate equations for certain reactions with this class practical.
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ResourceAcid erosion | Problem based practical activities
Remember to brush up on acid erosion with this experiment into the effects of different acid concentrates on tooth enamel
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ResourceCoursework conundrum | Problem based practical activities
Explore the oxidation of alcohols and carboxylic acids, to help a student in this experiment scenario
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ResourceAlcohol detective | Problem based practical activities
Students use distillation to purify two samples of fake vodka seized by the local police, and impart an important lesson on chemistry and alcohol.
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ResourceA little gas | Problem based practical activities
Students will review the use of computer simulations in sixth form chemistry, writing for science magazine ’The Mole’
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ResourceCleaning solutions | Problem based practical activities
Compare household chemicals and make a recommendation for the best bleach to an advertising agency.
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ResourceCarbonate rocks | Problem based practical activities
Using mass change experiments and visual inspection, students must identify four unknown metal carbonates.
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PosterEverything you need to teach fractional distillation
With this poster and classroom activity, your 14–16 students will soon be experts