Vitamins and the chemistry behind them

A photograph of yellow-orange pills arranged in rows on a blue background; in the bottom row, a different, red pill stands out

Source: © Getty Images

From practical experiments to a directed activity related to text (DART), try these activities for 11–16 year olds to investigate the chemistry of vitamins.

In this series of activities, students learn about a range of chemical ideas while investigating vitamins and vitamin supplements. Designed for 11–16 year olds, the resources give students the opportunity to conduct practical experiments, evaluate evidence for claims made about vitamins and engage with a variety of scientific and historical contexts. Stimulate your students to explore:

  • The link between vitamin C and scurvy
  • The structure and properties of vitamin C and how to test for it
  • How vitamins were discovered
  • Evidence for vitamin C preventing colds
  • Whether vitamin supplements are effective

Each activity includes instructions for students, as well as editable worksheets and resources available for download.

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