Helen Harden
Helen is a former head of chemistry at an 11–18 comprehensive school. She has an in-depth understanding of the science curriculum from primary through to secondary level with a specialist focus on chemistry. Helen has developed award winning resources and currently provides curriculum consultancy and resource development services to UK-based and international organisations.
Helen was formerly the chemistry lead for the University of York's Best Evidence Science Teaching (BEST) project. Her extensive reading of the chemistry education research literature on misconceptions informs much of her work today.
Helen is an active member and former chair of the Association for Science Education. She is currently commissioning editor of ASE’s School Science Review journal. Helen is also a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry and was a member of the 11–16 Curriculum and Assessment Working Group.
ResourceCarbon allotropes | Johnstone’s triangle worksheets | 14–16 years
Use these worksheets to develop learners’ understanding of carbon allotropes, from sub-microscopic structures to macroscopic properties
ResourceCovalent bonding | Johnstone’s triangle worksheets | 14–16 years
Use these worksheets to develop learners’ understanding of covalent bonding, including symbolic models and how macroscopic properties relate to the type of bonding
ResourceMetallic bonding | Johnstone’s triangle worksheets | 14–16 years
Use these worksheets to develop learners’ understanding of metallic bonding, including symbols and diagrams and how macroscopic properties relate to the type of bonding
ResourceIonic bonding | Johnstone’s triangle worksheets | 14–16 years
Use these worksheets to develop learners’ understanding of ionic structures and bonding, including symbols and diagrams and how macroscopic properties are related to bonding
OpinionLearning about women chemists is an entitlement
The contributions of women to chemistry should be written into the core chemistry curriculums, says Helen Harden
CPDHow to teach chemical energetics
Exothermic reactions go beyond simply combustion – use these tips to boost student understanding of energy transfer
IdeasAvoid the pitfalls of language
Help students learn the difference between everyday and chemistry vocabulary
