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Chemistry for science teachers
Boost your confidence to deliver practical work and develop the skills needed to teach key chemistry topics to 11–16 year olds
This course is designed for teachers looking to build their knowledge and confidence to teach chemistry. The course comprises three optional modules with teaching strategies for different topic areas.
At a glance
- Upcoming dates:
Wednesdays, January–March 2027, 3.45–5.30pm - Cost: Free for Teach Chemistry members
- Session frequency: Weekly
Choose a module to get started
Module 1
Upcoming dates
Not currently available – get notified when new dates are added
Topics covered
- Supporting good practical chemistry
- Reactivity of metals
- Electrolysis
- Quantitative chemistry
Module 2
Upcoming dates
Not currently available – get notified when new dates are added
Topics covered
- Identifying unknowns
- Equilibrium
- Energy changes
- Rates of reaction
Module 3
Upcoming dates
Wednesdays January–March 2027, 3.45–5.30pm
Topics covered
- Structure and bonding
- Hydrocarbons
- Acids and bases
- Further quantitative chemistry
Module 1
Module 1 covers the following topics:
- Supporting good practical chemistry
- Reactivity of metals
- Electrolysis
- Quantitative chemistry
You’ll build your subject knowledge across these topics, explore common misconceptions and develop ideas for practical activities.
Upcoming dates and registration
Module 1 is not due to run in the spring term
However, you can still:
- Sign up to hear about new dates when they become available
- Check out and register for module 3
Module 2
Module 2 covers the following topics:
- Identifying unknowns
- Rates of reaction
- Energy changes
- Equilibrium
You’ll build your subject knowledge across these topics, explore common misconceptions and develop ideas for practical activities.
Upcoming dates and registration
Module 2 is not due to run in the spring term
However, you can still:
- Sign up to hear about new dates when they become available
- Check out and register for module 3
Module 3
Module 3 covers the following topics:
- Structure and bonding
- Hydrocarbons
- Acids and bases
- Further quantitative chemistry
You’ll build your subject knowledge across these topics, explore common misconceptions and develop ideas for practical activities.
Upcoming dates and registration
Module 3 – spring term
Wednesdays, January–March, 3.45–5.30pm, online
You’ll need to be a member of Teach Chemistry to register for this course. Sign in now or register for an account today to get started.
REGISTER FOR MY ACCOUNT Sign in
Session 1: Wednesday 20 January, 3.45–5.30pm
Structure and bonding
- A range of different types of bonding and structures
- Strategies and teaching models including electrostatics and the ‘octet rule’
- Common misconceptions and challenges
- Practical activities to develop understanding
Session 2: Wednesday 3 February, 3.45–5.30pm
Hydrocarbons
- Properties, processes and reactions related to hydrocarbons
- Resources to help provide global perspectives in the curriculum
- Everyday contexts for teaching hydrocarbons
- Practical activities to develop understanding
Session 3: Wednesday 24 February, 3.45–5.30pm
Acids and bases
- The spiral curriculum and different teaching models
- Global perspectives in the curriculum
- Common misconceptions and challenges
- Visually stimulating experiments and demonstrations
Session 4: Wednesday 10 March, 3.45–5.30pm
Further quantitative chemistry
- Pedagogical approaches to multi-step mole calculations
- Practical approaches to teaching and understanding titrations
- Common misconceptions and challenges
Additional information
This course is most suited to teachers who are:
- relatively new in post
- teaching chemistry outside their own subject specialism
- keen to increase their understanding and confidence to teach chemistry at 11–16 level
Each module comprises four sessions, held weekly or monthly, depending on the term. By completing all four, you will qualify for a certificate of attendance to add to your professional development portfolio/record.
In advance of the module, we will give you information on one or two practicals to carry out prior to the relevant session, so you are ready to discuss them with your facilitator and fellow participants.
Support from your subject or school leadership team is a critical factor in successful professional development. When you sign up for a module, we’ll ask you to provide details of a senior member of staff who is responsible for your professional development provisions, e.g. head of chemistry/department, assistant headteacher, or headteacher.
Testimonials
Lydia, teacher of science
The course was very interactive and engaging and included different ideas for my teaching practice.
Stacey, teacher of science
I have improved my subject knowledge and feel more confident teaching these topics.
FAQs
Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for teachers in all career stages. The course expects a basic level of subject knowledge and is ideal if you are new to teaching chemistry; you would like to boost your knowledge; or you are returning from a teaching break.
The course is not suitable for trainee/student teachers in the first two terms of their training year.
Do I have to complete all modules?
You do not have to complete one module to attend another. Each module covers teaching strategies for different topic areas. Please choose the module that includes the topics most relevant for you.
How much does the course cost?
Nothing at all! Our sustained professional development courses are fully funded by the RSC for Teach Chemistry members, although places are limited. (If the course wasn’t fully funded it would cost £250!)
Is this course recognised? Will I receive a certificate?
Absolutely. The course is recognised CPD, so you will receive a certificate of attendance for your professional development portfolio/record once you have completed all of your chosen course’s sessions.
To qualify for the certificate of attendance, you must attend all sessions and complete all required tasks.
Do you record the sessions?
No, course modules are not recorded. If you are not available for the course dates currently advertised, watch this space – most courses are run regularly.