Snapshot Science Chemistry Resources

Below are links to some chemistry teaching resources that I have written. They are all free to download and share.

Making edible diamonds for KS2

Making edible diamonds for KS3

Solutions, dissolving, KS2, KS3

Full instructions on how to make edible ‘diamonds’ out of sugar. Also contains questions tailored to the KS2 or KS3 curriculum. Can be used a class activity or homework.

Turning plants into plastic

plastic, polymerisation, bioplastic, resources, sustainability, KS4

Resource which can be used as a class activity or homework. It contains the story of how scientists have made plastics out of biogas and contains a few questions on polymerisation and biodegradable plastics that are linked to GCSE specifications.

Chemistry speed dating

Bonding, atomic structure, periodic table, atoms, elements, KS4

Worksheets for an engaging activity where students play the role of elements and find their ideal partner using speed dating (as well as working out atomic structure and drawing ionic compounds). For more detail on how to run the lesson, please visit the accompanying post.

Drilling to the mantle

Earth science, structure of the Earth, earthquakes, volcanoes, KS4

A PowerPoint presentation that introduces the story that scientists may in the future drill down through the Earth’s crust. Contains questions that would be a useful starter to a revision lesson on the structure of the Earth.

D3O – a smart material

Models, particles, polymers, smart materials, KS4

A two slide Powerpoint which asks students who have been studying the particle model of solids, liquids and gases can predict how this material works as a way of applying their knowledge.

New Zealand earthquake

Earthquakes, plate tectonics, seismic waves, KS4

This Powerpoint contains a starter, class discussion points and a group task asking students to think about what caused a New Zealand Earthquake.

Chilli chemistry

Moles, molarity, RMM, organic molecules, KS4, KS5

This Powerpoint contains a starter where students calculate the RMM of the active chemical in chillies – capcaisin.  There are two versions – one which gives the structural formula for KS4 and the other which shows the structure for KS5.  It also contains an activity where students use their understanding of how to calculate moles and molarity to find out if the new British chilli holds the record for the world’s hottest.

Graphene

Giant covalent structures, covalent bonding, KS4

A one slide PowerPoint that could be used as a plenary for a lesson on giant covalent structures after students have learnt about diamond and graphite.  Students are shown the structure of graphene and then are asked to predict why it has the useful properties of it being lightweight, strong, transparent and a good electrical conductor.

Bonfire night reactions

Chemical reactions, physical changes, KS3

A good starter for a KS3 lesson on chemical reactions.  Students are shown many examples of things they might see at a Bonfire night party and then asked to discuss in pairs which are chemical reactions.  The answers are then revealed.  The students could then be asked to discuss what the signs were for each being a chemical reaction and why the others are classed as physical changes.

If you use a resource, please leave a comment to let me know how it went