Avoid the pitfalls of language

An image showing a female student burning magnesium on a Bunsen burner using tongs while a male classmate is watching the flame created. Both are wearing safety goggles

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Help students learn the difference between everyday and chemistry vocabulary

Without a confident understanding of chemistry-specific vocabulary students struggle to understand the chemistry concepts being explained. Some key words in chemistry are also used in everyday language, with a wider or an entirely different meaning, which can be challenging for students. This article helps teachers to navigate these linguistic pitfalls.

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