Mike Tingle
Mike is a former high school head of chemistry, turned educational consultant and author. He specialised in applied science and was a trainer & chief examiner for GNVQ Science. Now retired, he enjoys various volunteer activities, including guiding at the historic Lion Salt Works in Cheshire, and continues to write the occasional science education article.
FeatureWhen experiments don't go to plan
From Bakelite to Super glue, how unintended results can be useful
FeatureThe Lion, the Wich and the Waller
Almost 30 years after its closure, the historic Lion Salt Works in Cheshire opens its doors to the public. Volunteer Mike Tingle relates some of its history
FeatureThe logic of phlogiston
Despite efforts to teach logic and critical thinking in the classroom, students will often give the answer that they think is expected. Perhaps a discredited theory from the 18th century can help students see how different conclusions can be drawn from the same experiment, suggests Mike Tingle
FeatureThe science of sorting
Many of the UK's local authorities collect recyclable waste mixed together in the same bin. Mike Tingle discovers how differences in chemical and physical properties are used to separate a wide variety of materials
FeatureSalting away our spare gas
Sodium chloride for chemical and food uses is obtained by solution mining. Huge caverns left behind in the rock salt make convenient out-of-sight gas holders
FeatureGreener Chlorine
Chlorine is becoming greener; not in the colour, of course, but in the environmental impact of its manufacture