How to teach quantitative chemistry at post-16

Secondary school students can find it tricky to understand chemical reactions, and teachers need solid strategies to effectively teach reacting masses and limiting reagents. Learners need to grasp concepts such as moles, balanced equations and the relationship between ratios and reagents and products in reactions. This article explains how to use mathematical and physical models to help students visualise and understand the calculations involved. It addresses common misconceptions, including difficulties with mathematical aspects, and explains how to scaffold information for your students. Download the acid–base back titration to develop your 16–18 learners’ practical and quantitative chemistry skills. Use the PowerPoint slides and mole calculator to aid your delivery of scaffolding and checking calculations too.