David Paterson
David is head of digital learning and a teacher of chemistry at Aldenham School, Elstree. He is also a part-time chemistry adviser at CLEAPSS.
During his teaching career, David has been head of chemistry, physics and science at state comprehensive schools in Hertfordshire. He was chemistry subject advisor at the UK exam board OCR before returning to the classroom in 2017.
David has a particular interest in the use and improvement of practical work in effective science teaching, assessment, and in teacher training and development. He is an active member of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Association for Science Education. He was awarded the RSC Schools Education Award in 2020
David blogs occasionally at dave2004b.wordpress.com.
CPDEverything you need to teach energetics at 14–16
Use these ideas to help students understand the world of energetics, enthalpy and equilibrium
IdeasBanish misconceptions with digital whiteboards
A quick, low-stakes way to see what students are thinking, with everything from 3D molecule modelling to organic chemistry
CPDTeaching spectroscopic techniques at post-16
Use these ideas and resources to help your students master spectroscopy
ResourceDisplacement reaction snap | 11–14 years
Consolidate learning about simple displacement reactions with this game, followed by a formative assessment activity for the whole class
ResourceHanukkah doughnuts: interpret practical instructions | 11–14 years
Worksheet on interpreting practical methods using a recipe format, a scientific method and integrated instructions
IdeasFrom microscale to full-scale practicals
Find out how to upscale your practicals to reduce cognitive load and improve students’ results
FeatureTargeted strategies to support good classroom behaviour
Tackle potential behaviour challenges in your chemistry classroom before they arise
CPDUse post-16 atomic models to inform 14–16 understanding
It’ll help minimise unhelpful misconceptions too
IdeasTake a microscale approach to electrochemical cells
How you can use Petri dish galvanic cells to support learning about electricity
FeatureRisk assessing your chemistry practicals
Keep on top of risk assessments to ensure your practical lessons are safe
PracticalQualitative tests for organic functional groups | practical videos | 16–18 students
Video and supporting resources to support a practical investigation to identify organic functional groups using a range of qualitative tests
PracticalElectrochemical cells | practical videos | 16–18 students
Video and supporting resources to support electrochemistry practical work, including two microscale experiments, animation and cell diagrams
PracticalRates of reaction | practical videos | 16–18 students
Video and supporting resources, includes an initial rate (iodine clock reaction) and continuous monitoring method (volume of gas)
CPDTeaching observation skills at 11–14
Observation is a key skill for budding chemists. This is how to develop it with your younger students
ResourceMicroscale neutralisation and precipitation reactions | 11–14 years
Hone your learners’ observation skills with two microscale reactions: neutralising citric acid and creating a lead iodide precipitate
IdeasTie sustainable industry into your chemistry topics
Complement your teaching of reaction kinetics, catalysts and equilibrium with UN sustainable development goal 9
ResourceCatalysts and reaction conditions for sustainable industry | 16–18 years
Research and presentation activity based on catalysts and reaction conditions in the context of sustainable industry
FeatureEvaporation in action
Boost your 11–14 students’ knowledge and understanding of separation techniques with this poster, fact sheet and practical activity