Balancing equations … the easy way!

Author: Elizabeth Bramhall Balancing equations is one of the most fundamental skills in chemistry and when mentioned in class is, more often than not, met with the phrase “I can’t balance equations”. I developed this method to help those students who couldn’t get their heads around lowest common multiples and multi step mental processes. All my students can confidently apply this method to a range … Continue reading Balancing equations … the easy way!

A representation of covalent and ionic bonding

Author: Katie Rosser-Evans Covalent bonding Below is a step-by-step guide of how to use this fun model to help pupils to visualise and understand covalent bonding in a fun and abstract way. You only need the students and some coloured balls (ball pit balls work perfectly) to complete this: Select 4 pupils to participate – they will represent an atom. Get the pupils to stand … Continue reading A representation of covalent and ionic bonding

Teacher explanations, a ‘Live Drawing’ Approach

By Adam Boxer A well-crafted explanation lies at the heart of any effective science lesson. A good explanation must take into account a number of factors, but perhaps of foremost importance is the cognitive load placed upon the students. Decades of lab-based research in the cognitive sciences has taught us that students’ working memories are preciously limited. Labelled by Dylan Wiliam as “the single most … Continue reading Teacher explanations, a ‘Live Drawing’ Approach