Why I teach chemistry as a creative discipline

By Michael Jerstice2018-02-14T09:27:00

A plant sprouting from the pages of a book

Source: CharlieAJA / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Chemistry needs creative approaches and it is possible to teach them

Michael Jerstice thinks that chemistry is, and needs to be taught as, a creative discipline if it stands a chance of solving global challenges such as food security. He revised schemes of work in order to encourage open-ended and investigative practice. Four years later, his pupils did better at A-level compared to the national average than previous year groups at his school.

Thanks for using Education in Chemistry. You can view one Education in Chemistry article per month as a visitor.

A photograph of a teacher standing in a white lab coat, speaking with a class of children in a laboratory, is superimposed on a colourful background. Text reads "Teach Chemistry means support for classroom and staff room".

Register for Teach Chemistry for free, unlimited access

Registration is open to all teachers and technicians at secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutions in the UK and Ireland.

Get all this, plus much more:

unlimited access to resources, core practical videos and Education in Chemistry articles
teacher well-being toolkit, personal development resources and online assessments
applications for funding to support your lessons

Set up your Teach Chemistry account

Already a Teach Chemistry member? Sign in now.

Not eligible for Teach Chemistry? Sign up for a personal account instead, or you can also access all our resources with Royal Society of Chemistry membership.