Chemistry

Science

Secondary

A look at the latest chemistry research for science teachers

Designed for science teachers, this episode of Professional Knowledge uncovers the latest chemistry research which could affect our lives in the near future. Chemist, Dr Andrea Sella, talks about how different aspects of chemistry will change the way we live on everything from nanotechnology to sustainable fuels. At the NSQI Centre, Bristol, a vibration-free building has been constructed, meaning that scientists can study molecular level. In Exeter, a material called "graphene" looks set to change the world of electronics, enabling flexible electronics and quantum computers. Finally, Dr Terry Kee talks about his research and how life forms at a chemical level. He then goes on to explain a way of producing sustainable hydrogen.

An examination of forensic testing used to solve murder cases

Ideal for KS4 science students, this video looks at two murder investigations and uncovers the chemistry behind the forensic testing that helped resolve the cases. Ten-year-old Damilola Taylor died after being attacked by a gang and receiving fatal leg wounds. Chantel Taylor, whose body has never been found, was originally a missing person but investigations revealed she was murdered. Lead forensic scientists explain how a GCMS (Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer) helped establish the death of Chantel Taylor, while re-examined evidence and DNA profiling helped in the Damilola Taylor case. Advanced chemical screening techniques, the Kastle Meyer test and the use of Luminol, used at crime scenes can assist investigators in identifying traces of blood. Here, the techniques are explained and demonstrated.

Chemistry in Forensics

Three ideas for quick experiments on exploring mass at KS3

Three lesson planning ideas for short, snappy chemistry experiments for Key Stage 3 lessons, designed to help pupils explore the principle of conservation of mass. Chemistry teacher Jack Forrest carries out a number of quick and simple experiments with his Year 7 class, to reinforce the idea that mass is always conserved. These experiments would also work well with lower age groups. First, the students mix colourless solutions of potassium iodide and lead nitrate together, to form a bright yellow mixture, demonstrating that a chemical reaction has taken place. They weigh the solutions before and after mixing, noting that the mass remains the same. Next, Jack demonstrates a classic Carbonate reaction, reacting marble chips and hydrochloric acid. The class discuss why the mass decreases in this reaction. Lastly, he cooks popcorn kernels which increase in volume when boiled, but the mass stays the same.

Conservation of Mass

Fireworks demonstrations teachers can do for KS3/4 science

Bring fireworks demonstrations into the science lab in a safe and fascinating way, through experiments relating to the KS3/4 science curriculum. Matthew Tosh, a regular demonstrator on the firework circuit with the appropriate professional qualifications, visits Chew Magna School near Bristol to demonstrate his skills. His demonstrations include combustion basics, oxidation and oxidising agents, creating a flash, displacement reactions, making your own delay fuse, sparklers, flame colours, and generating thrust. Matthew shows teachers how to carry out the experiments safely with advice from CLEAPSS.

Demonstrating Chemistry: In the Classroom

A demonstration of fireworks experiments for KS3/4 science

Bring complicated fireworks into the classroom in this video explaining the science behind fireworks in KS3/4 science experiments that can't be replicated in school. Matthew Tosh shows a series of firework demonstrations which can't be easily be performed in the classroom laboratory, either because they need specialist facilities or on health and safety grounds. His top ten demonstrations including flash powder mixes, Chinese firecrackers, rockets, gerbs and conical fountains. We also learn about the physics of ballistics and the chemistry behind coloured lances. Relating the experiments to the KS3/4 science curriculum Matthew, also highlights the very real dangers of working with explosives and the safety precautions professional pyrotechnics engineers need to take.

Demonstrating Chemistry: The Science of Fireworks

Investigating building your own powerstation for KS4 science

An accessible and informative overview of the basic science and economics behind building a new nuclear power plant for KS4 science. This video will poses the mock challenge students; If you're worried about solving the world's energy needs, why not get your mates together and build your very own nuclear power plant? A visit to Finland reveals some of Europe's top experts giving their tips on how to go about building it.While there will be an explanation of the science of nuclear fission, the main focus will be how they might manage to pay for it. There are interviews with those who are both for and against nuclear power and finally, one of the world's leading financial analysts at PricewaterhouseCoopers, designers of the financing package for the newest nuclear power plant in Finland, share their insights.

DIY Nuclear Power Reactor

Revealing the explosive power of subliming dry ice in chemistry

Professor Hal Sosabowski reveals the explosive power of subliming dry ice in this demonstration idea for Key Stage 3/4 chemistry lessons to show that gases take up much more space than solids. As dry ice turns directly from a solid into a gas, its volume increases dramatically, creating enough pressure to explode a plastic bottle. The bottles can only take a certain amount of pressure, and the end result is an amazingly loud bang as the bottle explodes. Professor Hal Sosabowski is a committed chemistry educator who shows how to safely recreate his inspirational demonstrations, which are both educational and spectacular.

Dry Ice - Exploding Bottles

Ideas for dry ice sublimation experiments for KS3/4 chemistry

Professor Hal Sosabowski demonstrates a simple yet effective experiment which reveals several properties of solid carbon dioxide, which teachers can use in Key Stage 3/4 science lessons. Hal shows how clouds of water vapour can be formed, how carbon dioxide is denser than air, how a gas occupies much more volume than a solid, and how dry ice sublimes - turning directly from a solid to a gas without becoming a liquid. Professor Hal Sosabowski is a committed chemistry educator who shows how to safely recreate his inspirational demonstrations, which are both educational and spectacular.

Dry Ice - Sublimation

Demonstrating the reactivity of magnesium with carbon dioxide

Using two blocks of frozen CO2, Professor Hal Sosabowski demonstrates how magnesium is so reactive that it can cause carbon dioxide to act as an oxidant, in an idea to use in Key Stage 3/4 chemistry lessons. Having drilled a hole in one of the blocks, Hal fills it with magnesium, lights the magnesium with a blowtorch, and quickly places the second block on top. The result is a beautiful intense glow inside the blocks. This experiment is one of the rare occasions in which carbon dioxide actually promotes a fire rather than putting it out. Professor Hal Sosabowski is a committed chemistry educator who shows how to safely recreate his inspirational demonstrations, which are both educational and spectacular.

Dry Ice - The Magnesium Sandwich

Professor Peter Styring designs some self-lubricating skis

Find out how Professor Peter Styring came up with a design for self-lubricating skis, and discover what stringent tests he performed before realizing the finished product. A chemical engineer, Styring has devoted much of his working life to designing systems whereby liquids flow continually. His first attempts at designing the self-lubricating ski were basic but they proved the idea was possible. In-depth lab work was required as nobody would invest in untested skis. Over 500 formulations were tried and tested the perfect lubricant was found. The professor is confident that the first skier to use his system in the Olympics will win gold!

Professional Development for Quality Teaching

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> Secondary Science

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