David Paterson
David is assistant head and a teacher of chemistry/physics at Aldenham School, Elstree.
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 a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and was awarded the RSC Schools Education Award in 2020.
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. He works closely with CLEAPSS, developing practical guidance and training for science teachers across the UK.
PosterTeaching distillation’s apparatus and stages
Walk your 14–16 learners through the process of distillation and the equipment needed
Class experimentMicroscale diffusion of a gas | 11–16 years
Explore diffusion with this simple and effective microscale experiment
FeatureEnhance students’ learning and development with digital resources
Tips and a model to improve learners’ understanding and develop vital skills using digital learning
IdeasUse AI to successfully assess students’ understanding
Discover how to quickly and effectively generate multiple choice questions on key chemistry topics
CPD articleEverything 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
CPD articleTeaching 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
CPD articleUse 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
Practical videoQualitative 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
Practical videoElectrochemical cells | practical videos | 16–18 students
Video and supporting resources to support electrochemistry practical work, including two microscale experiments, animation and cell diagrams
Practical videoRates 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)
CPD articleTeaching observation skills at 11–14
Observation is a key skill for budding chemists. This is how to develop it with your younger students