All Properties of matter articles
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Resource
Metallic bonding | Developing understanding | 14–16
Develop learners’ sub-microscopic understanding by interpreting a range of models used to represent metallic structure and metal ions
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Resource
Carbon allotropes | Developing understanding | 14–16
Encourage learners to think about how different structures of carbon are represented and what this means at the sub-microscopic level
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Exhibition chemistry
Dissolve coloured sweets to create a rainbow
Demonstrate diffusion, density and the particle model to your 14–16 learners in this easy experiment
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Resource
Particle diagrams | Structure strip | 14–16
Support learners to describe and evaluate the particle model for solids, liquids and gases with this writing activity
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Exhibition chemistry
Illustrate polymer properties with a self-siphoning solution
Demonstrate the tubeless siphon with poly(ethylene glycol) and highlight the polymer’s viscoelasticity to your 11–16 learners
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News
Revealing blueberries’ nanostructure
Find out how microscopic, self-assembling particles give blueberries their characteristic blue hue
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Practical
Simple distillation | practical videos | 14–16 years
Video and resources showing how to separate water from a coloured solution
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Feature
Weird and wonderful water
Why the universal solvent is unlike any other liquid and its properties are still a mystery
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Resource
Nanomaterials and the nanoscale: structure strip | 14–16 years
Develop your learners’ literacy skills with this scaffolded writing support on nanomaterials
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Article
What’s in nail polish?
Uncover the polymers and pigments in liquid nail polishes, acrylics and gels
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Exhibition chemistry
Demonstrate changes of state using volume differences
Use this demonstration to reinforce the differences between states of matter with your 11–14 learners
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Resource
Quicksand investigation | 14–16 years
Discover the properties of non-Newtonian fluids and how these could help you escape from quicksand
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Resource
Custard experiment | 11–14 years
Introduce your learners to Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids as well as the explosive nature of powders
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News
Science turns the taps on in drought-hit areas
Changes in the state of matter offer a solution to making potable water in arid regions
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Feature
The science behind sustainable home insulation
Are plastics the best option for saving energy in our homes, as well as saving the planet?
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CPD
Everything you need to teach polymers at 14−16
Sharpen your teaching of polymers with these classroom ideas, activities and resources
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News
Preventing condensation with nanotechnology
The sunlight-activated nanofilm putting an end to misty glasses and windows
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News
Spiderwebs used as microplastic pollution screens
Airborne plastic can make up a tenth of a spiderweb’s weight. What can it tell us about the life cycle of plastic and recycling in our cities?
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News
Composite fibre could protect firefighters from extreme heat
The next-generation aerogel with superior thermal insulation could be used to make heat protective clothing and spacecraft shielding