5 ways to teach elements, compounds and mixtures at 11–14

Knowing the difference between elements, compounds and mixtures is key to students understanding so much of our instruction in chemistry. But we sometimes forget that our own understanding has been honed through years of study and experience. Towards the end of KS4, students don’t have to specifically identify elements, compounds and mixtures, but they encounter a range of names, formulas, diagrams and models, and we assume knowledge of these different modes of communicating information. The tips in this article will help you build with strong foundations so students have a firm understanding of chemical substances and are ready for the more challenging concepts later in their learning journey.