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Chemistry for science teachers: module 3

By 2024-05-16T07:00:002024-06-13T21:00:00

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Thursdays, May – June, 3.30 – 5.15pm, online 

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This is the third of three professional development modules for teachers looking to build their knowledge and confidence in chemistry. There is no charge to attend – we cover the cost.

All three courses will boost your confidence in delivering practical work, as well as help you teach key chemistry topics. Within each session, there’s time to discuss upcoming topics and practicals, as well as opportunities to ask questions and get guidance from experts.

You should sign up if you would like to build your own understanding of the subject (you should already have basic knowledge of the topics covered) and explore effective strategies for teaching chemistry to learners aged 11–16. We will explore how to teach key topics in chemistry and a number of ways to support your confidence in delivering practical work.

You do not have to complete one module to attend another. Each course covers teaching strategies for different topic areas. Please choose the module that includes the topics most relevant for you.

Module details

This module is most suited to teachers who may be:

  • relatively new in post
  • teaching chemistry outside their own subject specialism
  • keen to increase their own understanding and confidence to teach chemistry within a 11–16 secondary science programme

The format is a series of four sessions – you will complete these during May and June. By completing the sessions, you will qualify for a certificate of attendance to add to your professional development portfolio/record.

In advance of the module, we will give you information on 1–2 practicals which we will ask you to carry out in advance of the relevant session, ready to discuss with your course facilitator and fellow participants.

Chemistry for science teachers: module 3

Session 1: Thursday 16 May 3.30 – 5.15pm

Structure and bonding

Session topics:

  • A range of different types of bonding and structures
  • Different strategies and teaching models including electrostatics and the ‘octet rule’
  • Common misconceptions and challenges that students experience
  • Practical activities to support development of conceptual understanding of structure and bonding

Session 2: Thursday 23 May 3.30 – 5.15pm

Hydrocarbons

Session topics:

  • Properties, processes and reactions related to hydrocarbons
  • RSC resources to help in the teaching of hydrocarbons and fractional distillation
  • Resources to help provide glolal perspectives in the curriculum
  • Practical activities to support development of conceptual understanding of hydrocarbons
  • Everyday contexts for teaching hydrocarbons

Session 3: Thursday 6 June 3.30 – 5.15pm

Acids and bases

Session topics:

  • The spiral curriculum and different teaching models
  • Global perspectives in the curriculum – an example
  • Common misconceptions and challenges that students experience with concentration and strength
  • Visually stimulating experiments and demonstrations

Session 4: Thursday 13 June 3.30 – 5.15pm

Further quantitative chemistry

Session topics:

  • Pedagogical approaches to multi-step mole calculations
  • Practical approaches to teaching and understanding titrations
  • Common misconceptions and challenges that students experience with titrations

 Disclaimer: We reserve the right to make changes to this programme in the event of unexpected circumstances.

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