Catherine Smith

Combine stories and demos for wow lessons Weave storytelling into classroom practicals to deepen engagement and understanding

How can you make Chemistry the best department in school? Tell a story with an added WOW factor for National Story Telling Week 2026 of course 💥
edu.rsc.org/ideas/combin...

Why school trips matter Build positive relationships, raise learners' science capital and bring a fresh perspective back to the classroom

What’s the best school trip you’ve been on?
edu.rsc.org/feature/why-...

Combine stories and demos for wow lessons Weave storytelling into classroom practicals to deepen engagement and understanding

🔥 A jaw-dropping demo can spark curiosity, but how do you keep that flame alive? Discover the secret to turning excitement into lasting learning 💡
edu.rsc.org/ideas/combin...

#iteachchem

Delighted to see this go live. Looking forward to using it with Y13 to compare the different types of chromatography and introduce them to how the techniques are used in industry. #chatchemistry

10 labs 3 prep rooms currently

What analogies do you use to help students understand collision theory?
Love the idea of children playing in a playground mentioned in this article.
#iteachchem

Are your Y13s struggling to decipher exam questions on acids and bases? Download the revision tree from this resource to help them with those last minute revision panics.
#Alevel #Chemistry

Ian McDaid FCCT (@ianmcdaid.bsky.social) STEM Leader, 100 Ideas Outstanding Science Lessons BloomsburyBooks-ERA Best Secondary Resource, STEM Learning Senior Professional Development Lead, RSC EiC contributor

Another great article on practical work in Chemistry from ianmcdaid.bsky.social I’ll be giving a good few of these a go in future lessons.

First time in several years I’ve taught the rock cycle. Time for a game or two of ‘Roll N Rock’ with Y8. Any misconceptions about there being just one route round the rock cycle busted!

edu.rsc.org/infographics...

Having experienced colleagues who are confident enough to share being caught out by a good question and discuss it informally over lunch can really change the culture in a department.

100% agree. This is why retention of experienced staff is vital. Although you might think you have good subject knowledge only by teaching the content do you realise your own knowledge gaps. There is nothing like being asked ‘But why…’ or ‘What if….’ for seeing if you really understand a concept.

Concentrate 14–16 learners' minds on solubility with this article by @catsmi.bsky.social full of ideas and teaching strategies #SciTeachUK #scienceteachers #teachingtips
edu.rsc.org/cpd/how-to-t...

Thanks for the video. Its logic is so counter intuitive especially for students not strong in maths. Adds an extra level of complexity to already difficult calculations.

Does anyone know if there is a way to change the settings on the new version of the Casio Classwiz so that the x10^ in a number in standard form is bound to the number? Alternatively does anyone have recommendations for the best calculator for non-mathsy A-level students?

Some great practicals in this sequence. I’m embarrassed to admit I’ve never reacted chlorine with sodium (mainly because of the requirement for a gas jar of chlorine) but this has reminded me I must get it into my repertoire.

Why don't scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything!

For some slightly more educational information on atomic structure and tips on how to teach it, read @chemDrK's article here - https://buff.ly/3CDZF2q

How to teach atomic structure at 14–16 Strengthen your students' grasp of the atom and electronic configurations with these models and strategies

My latest article for @rsc-eic.bsky.social on how to teach atomic structure at 14-16 includes common misconceptions to look out for (and the RADAAR resource I developed at @theeef.bsky.social )

edu.rsc.org/cpd/how-to-t...

Thanks for sharing this Dave. As a student my secondary school had an unofficial (I think) motto of ‘Success is its own reward.’ We all bought in as a result I believe of being guided to develop the human needs you list.

Great to see this go live. Do have a look at the linked resource if you’re about to teach transition metals; a nice practical with synoptic questions covering the different types of isomerism from across the curriculum.

Energy Skate Park Learn about the conservation of energy at the skate park! Build tracks, ramps, and jumps for the skater. View the skater's kinetic energy, potential energy, and thermal energy as they move along the t...

Not chemistry but we had a great lesson last week investigating energy transfers with this PhET simulation. How does the mass and starting height of the skate boarder (the dog of course) affect their final speed? phet.colorado.edu/en/simulatio...

We’re watching Digging for Britain. The potter has just referred to iron oxide as a molecule. Sigh.

My class did a question today where they had to draw measuring rate with a syringe. Seemed very GCSE but in an old A-level paper.

Straight back to teaching tomorrow with a 5 period day; Y9, Y8, Y11, Y10 and finishing with Y13 being introduced to buffers. Wish me luck ;-0

Excellent suggestions in this blog for simple tweaks to your lesson that can help improve learning.

Some great advice for teaching Conservation of Mass at 14-16 in this article. Discussion of the foundational work of Kanada is an excellent example of how to add diversity to the curriculum #chatchemistry

edu.rsc.org/cpd/teaching...

This pen is a game changer. I’ve had the same board pen for 8 wks and refilled 4 times, each time as good as new. So nice not to be throwing away plastic every few weeks ;-)

Thanks for the update. Definitely sounds like something I need to give a go.

RSC East Midlands Local Section - Top of the Bench Competition 2024/25 Thank you for expressing an interest in the Top of the Bench competition. More details about the competition can be found on the RSC website Top of the Bench competition | RSC Education To select the...

Last few days for teachers in the East Midlands to register for the RSC Top of the Bench competition. Register here forms.gle/nxXbkqcYesDB...

edu.rsc.org/enrichment/t...

I’d like to highlight the Royal Society Summer Science exhibition. Great for the end of Y12 (plus the students get to go to London!) #chatchemistry

I try to make clear links with what students learnt at GCSE when starting new topics so students can see the progression. #chatchemistry