RSC teacher fellow 2008-09

The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) teacher fellow for 2008-09 is Anthony Hardwicke (pictured right), formerly head of chemistry at Dr Challoner's Grammar School, Amersham. Based at the Institute of Education in London during the one-year appointment, he will develop a pack of chemistry teaching resources for the new Key Stage 3 Science specifications introduced in September. 

Having taught in several different schools, Hardwicke is conscious of the wide range of abilities of Key Stage 3 students. 'For me the Key Stage 3 years are all about developing an enthusiasm for chemistry and helping pupils to form a clear understanding of the really important basic chemical ideas'. The resources will be based on practical activities and spectacular demonstrations as well as everyday life stories and anecdotes. The materials will be differentiated and easy to customise so that teachers can use them with classes of all abilities. 

Hardwicke is aware that it is important to present chemical ideas in a logical order when teaching science at Key Stage 3. 'It's crazy trying to teach pupils that crude oil is made up of alkanes and alkenes before they've covered covalent bonding - it's just asking for misconceptions', he told Education in Chemistry. So the pack will include a suggested teaching order outlined in themed topics, which non-specialist chemistry teachers might find useful to follow. The first topic, Stink bombs, introduces diffusion and changes of state.

The RSC will distribute the final materials, free of charge, to all secondary schools in the UK. In the meantime, teachers are invited to support the project by contributing their ideas for suitable resources. Teachers may also have the opportunity to pilot the new materials in their schools. For further information contact Anthony Hardwicke, c/o Jocelyn Brown, the Royal Society of Chemistry, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BA (Tel: 020-7440 3343; Education Department)