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Outstanding GCSE and A level chemistry resources

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Having taught GCSE and A level chemistry for 6 years and being an examiner I have developed a solid understanding of what makes a lesson outstanding and seek to share this with other teachers.

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Having taught GCSE and A level chemistry for 6 years and being an examiner I have developed a solid understanding of what makes a lesson outstanding and seek to share this with other teachers.
Properties of crude oil GCSE - oil viscosity independent practical
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Properties of crude oil GCSE - oil viscosity independent practical

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This lesson forms the second lesson in the AQA 2016 specification 4.7 organic chemistry scheme of work and comes after lesson 1 crude oil. The lesson is designed to develop independent practical skills - something that is often developed at Key Stage 3 when there is more curriculum time but is missed out at GCSE in order to cover all of the subject content needed for the exams. The lesson begins with considering the properties that a good fuel should have. It is worth pointing out to students that these are the main properties of hydrocarbons. Alkanes and alkenes are covered later in this scheme of work so reference is not made to them in this lesson. Students then read two sources and choose one of them to write a summary on their method sheet. They then carry out a risk assessment of the method that they have chosen. The practical that they do is using a pipette with a small hole in the side - these need to be prepared in advance by the technicians. Students put the pipette in the oil and then cover the hole as they lift up the pipette. They then open the hole (move the finger of the way) and time how long it takes for the oil to move from 3m to 1ml. The lesson finishes with an exam plenary question (markscheme is provided). It is suggested that water baths are used to heat the jars or beakers of vegetable oil. Please rate this resource and leave feedback.
Separating mixtures GCSE - includes paper chromatography
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Separating mixtures GCSE - includes paper chromatography

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This lesson is the third in the atomic structure scheme of work for the 2016 AQA specification. The two previous lessons are on elements, compounds and mixtures and balancing equations. The theme of the lesson is separating cannabis chemicals in order to extract TetraHydroCannabinol (THC). This is part of a group of chemicals called 'cannabinoids' and is used as an oral spray called Sativex that treats multiple sclerosis. The lesson starts with students listing 3 reasons for and 3 reasons against legalising cannabis. There is a YouTube video showing a 3 minute BBC News report that is embedded. The link is included in the PowerPoint. Students then use the separating mixtures trump cards to state what method they would use for each stage of extracting THC. They carry out a RSC practical to extract 'THC' (it is in fact a combination of chemicals) using a pestle and mortar and the solvent propanone. Though not included in the RSC practical they could filter the solvent to remove any solids. They then use paper chromatography to see whether their sample has a pure chemical. If the chemical is pure there will be a single spot visible on the chromatogram. Students could then dry their chromatograms and calculate the Rf value of their spot. Finally a higher level question is included at the end where students consider the effect of using different solvents. Please rate these resources and leave feedback.
Rate of reaction GCSE tarsia
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Rate of reaction GCSE tarsia

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This is a GCSE chemistry tarsia for revision of rates of reaction. I suggest that the A4 tarsia is printed on card and then the outline is cut out. Students can then quickly cut out the individual triangles. Included are the following topics: symbol equations, factors affecting rate and rate graphs. The 'fjsw' file can be opened and modified with tarsia software.
Advanced titrations lesson - AS Chemistry
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Advanced titrations lesson - AS Chemistry

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This is an AS Chemistry lesson on advanced titration calculations for a very able class. Though this has grades C to A the concepts in back titration and the grade A zeolite research task together make this a fast paced lesson designed to challenge very bright students. An easier more differentiated version of this lesson will be uploaded to TES later in the year that will be accessed by weaker students. Please rate this resource and leave feedback.
Gas laws AS level chemistry
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Gas laws AS level chemistry

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This is a lesson for the new 2015 A level chemistry specification that covers the ideal gas law. There are clear AFL tasks for the middle of the lesson (grade C) and end of the lesson (grade B and grade A). It is suggested that the lesson before this lesson a homework is set to research conversions and the Kelvin temperature scale. Slides 23 and 24 may be printed per student for students to peer assess each others work. Please rate this resource and leave feedback.
Alcohols GCSE - includes dot and cross digram, fermentation vs hydration, displayed formulae
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Alcohols GCSE - includes dot and cross digram, fermentation vs hydration, displayed formulae

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This is a thoroughly differentiated GSCE chemistry lesson on alcohols for the 2016 GCSE chemistry specification. It forms part of the AQA organic chemistry scheme of work, topic 4.7. The lesson starts with students recapping prior learning on molecular formulae. Students are then introduced to the idea that the substance in alcohol is ethanol and that there are 2 main ways of making ethanol. They write word and symbol equations for these 2 methods. More able students draw the displayed formula and dot and cross diagram of ethanol (2016 specification requirement) whilst weaker students complete the equations activity. Students then compare the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods of making ethanol. The lesson concludes with an exam question plenary. Please rate this resource and leave feedback.
Balancing equations tarsia
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Balancing equations tarsia

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This is a fun GCSE Chemistry tarsia for revision of balancing equations. There are 16 triangles with 18 pairs of questions and answers that make an equilateral triangle. I suggest that the A4 tarsia is printed on card and then the outline is cut out. Students can then quickly cut out the individual triangles. Included are the following topics: reaction with oxygen, why we need to balance equations, a variety of balanced and unbalanced equations and number of atoms. The 'fjsw' file can be opened and modified with tarsia software. The software is free to download but there is not currently a version for Mac computers.
Atomic structure Chemistry tarsia - for lower ability students - use as starter, plenary or revision
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Atomic structure Chemistry tarsia - for lower ability students - use as starter, plenary or revision

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This is a fun High School Chemistry tarsia for revision of atomic structure. There are 16 triangles with 18 pairs of questions and answers that make a parallelogram. I suggest that the A4 tarsia is printed on card and then the outline is cut out. Students can then quickly cut out the individual triangles. Included are the following topics: subatomic particles, using the periodic table to work out the number of subatomic particles. The software is free to download but there is not currently a version for Mac computers.
Alkenes GCSE - 2016 specification - includes tests with bromine, chlorine and iodine + practical
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Alkenes GCSE - 2016 specification - includes tests with bromine, chlorine and iodine + practical

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This is a chemistry lesson designed for the 2016 specification for the exam board AQA. The updated specification specifically makes reference to chlorine and iodine and so the results of alkene tests with these halogens has been included. There is a practical that is based on a RSC practical. Instructions and safety advice for the practical are included in the lesson. Please only carry out the practical in a room with windows that is well ventilated. The lesson starts with a recap of cracking - this is taught previously in my scheme of work. It then moves on to alkene formulae. The students then carry out the alkenes and bromine water practical. They then write word and symbol equation for the tests. More able students can identify the functional groups in the molecules. The lesson finishes with a fun plenary using whiteboards. Please rate this resource and leave feedback.
Born Haber cycle construction for ionic compounds - AS Chemistry - outstanding lesson
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Born Haber cycle construction for ionic compounds - AS Chemistry - outstanding lesson

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This is a thoroughly planned lesson with assessment and activities on constructing Born Haber cycles for ionic compounds. The starter recaps enthalpy of formation and so this is required learning from the lessons before. The first main activity uses the enthalpy changes card sort. This checks the students understanding of lattice enthalpy, ionisation energy , electron affinity, enthalpy of formation, enthalpy of atomisation and bond enthalpy. This card sort can be printed on A4 paper or laminated and cut out for a kinesthetic activity. The answers are included on the PowerPoint of the card sort. The lesson then moves on to constructing Born Haber cycles and then finishes with exam questions on the PowerPoint. Extra exam questions are included separately.
Haber process GCSE tarsia
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Haber process GCSE tarsia

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This is a fun yet challenging GCSE Chemistry tarsia for revision of the Haber process for the higher paper. There are 16 triangles with 18 pairs of questions and answers that make an equilateral triangle. I suggest that the A4 tarsia is printed on card and then the outline is cut out. Students can then quickly cut out the individual triangles. Included are the following topics: formula of ammonia, catalyst used, conditions used, feedstocks, reversible reactions, equilibrium, endothermic, exothermic, yield and rate of reaction. The 'fjsw' file can be opened and modified with tarsia software. The tarsia software is free to download but there is not currently a version for Mac computers.
Key Stage 3 and lower school Chemistry revision
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Key Stage 3 and lower school Chemistry revision

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This is a comprehensive set of information worksheets for revising Key Stage 3 and lower school Chemistry. It covers these topics: atoms and elements, periodic table, compounds, metals and non-metals, mixtures, solutions, acids and alkalis, physical changes, chemical changes, filtration, distillation, chromatography, structure of the Earth, composition of the atmosphere and the rock cycle. There is a simplified version of the periodic table that I have created. The pages are scaled to fit A4 paper.
Alternatives to fossil fuels GCSE - includes combustion, balancing equations, 6 mark exam question
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Alternatives to fossil fuels GCSE - includes combustion, balancing equations, 6 mark exam question

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This is a thoroughly differentiated chemistry lesson that has been designed for the new 2016 specification for AQA. This specification does not require students to know biodiesel but does require students to know hydrogen and combustion. The lesson starts with a hydrogen balloon demo. Please take when doing this. Students can ignite the balloon if they use a lit split on the end of a metre ruler and stand back. They put the lit splint underneath the balloon which explodes. There is an alternative settler wordsearch for hyperactive classes that need to calm down at the start of the lesson. Students then write a disadvantage and advantage of using hydrogen as an alternative to petrol on post it notes and stick these on the whiteboard (one student per bench can do this - collecting the others from their bench). Students then write down the advantages and disadvantages of different fuels and write an answer to a 6 mark exam question where they compare the fuels and justify which one is best. They peer mark their answers using a student friendly marking grid. Finally students balance combustion symbol equations. Please rate this resource and leave feedback.
Halogens GCSE - includes properties, forming ions, astatine predictions, electronegativity
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Halogens GCSE - includes properties, forming ions, astatine predictions, electronegativity

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This lesson has been designed for the 2016 GCSE AQA specification for the 4.1 atomic structure scheme of work. The lesson is thoroughly differentiated for higher and lower ability and includes a fun sodium reacting with chlorine demo. It is recommended that the Royal Society of Chemistry practical guidelines are followed - a link to these are included in the PowerPoint. The demo MUST be carried out in a fume cupboard as chlorine gas is extremely toxic. It is suggested that the sodium is heated on a brick rather than a deflagrating spoon then an inverted bell jar of chlorine gas is placed on top. This is because the chlorine gas reacts with the iron from the deflagrating spoon. The lesson starts with a recap of atomic structure (required prior learning) then moves on to the demo and then a discussion of how atoms react to form ions. Students then consider the properties of the halogens and carry out a task where they predict the properties of astatine using line graphs that they draw then present their work. A student friendly assessment grid is provided for students to peer mark their work. Please rate this resource and leave feedback.
Infrared spectroscopy Senior High School Chemistry
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Infrared spectroscopy Senior High School Chemistry

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This is a Senior High School Chemistry infrared spectroscopy. Expected prior learning is functional groups and how to draw organic molecules such as carboxylic acids. Students could write on the laminated sheets using whiteboard pens. The lesson provides extensive differentiation. The IR data used is from the NIST Chemistry WebBook. Both of these resources are referenced at the beginning of the lesson. A data sheet needs to be provided as this is a lesson that uses the Chemistry data book provided by the exam board.
Mass spectrometry for Senior High School Chemistry
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Mass spectrometry for Senior High School Chemistry

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This is a thorough set of structured resources on using mass spectrometry to identify molecules. The starter is a fun Just a Minute literacy activity that recaps prior understanding of mass spectrometry. There is then a highly structured series of slides that discuss how bond enthalpy (bond strength) data can be used to determine which bonds in a molecule will break. Slide 14 (bond enthalpy data) can be printed as a handout for the students to use for the grade C task. The grade B/A task is where students identify molecules from their mass spectrometry spectra. The mass spectra to be identified can be laminated and students can annotate the laminates using whiteboard pens. The answers and a markscheme is provided on the PowerPoint. Please rate this resource and leave feedback.
Metals and non-metals Middle School tarsia - use as lesson starter, plenary or for revision
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Metals and non-metals Middle School tarsia - use as lesson starter, plenary or for revision

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This is a fun Middle School Chemistry tarsia for revision of metals and non-metals. There are 16 triangles with 18 pairs of questions and answers that make an equilateral triangle. I suggest that the A4 tarsia is printed on card and then the outline is cut out. Students can then quickly cut out the individual triangles. Included are the following topics: element symbols and properties of metals and non-metals. The 'fjsw' file can be opened and modified with tarsia software. The tarsia software is free to download but there is not currently a version for Mac computers.
Fractional distillation of crude oil High School Chemistry tarsia - starter, plenary or revision
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Fractional distillation of crude oil High School Chemistry tarsia - starter, plenary or revision

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This is a fun High School Chemistry tarsia for comparing different theories of atomic structure. There are 16 triangles with 18 pairs of questions and answers that make an equilateral triangle shape. I suggest that the A4 tarsia is printed on card and then the outline is cut out. Students can then quickly cut out the individual triangles. Included are the following topics: names and uses of different fractions, size of alkanes and flammability, alkanes vs alkenes and fractional distillation apparatus. The 'fjsw' file can be opened and modified with tarsia software. The tarsia software is free to download but there is not currently a version for Mac computers.