Teaching practical science: chemistry NE705 / C19

Online course. Go beyond ‘recipe following’ and use practical work in chemistry to support explanation of theory. It is essential that students studying chemistry are given the opportunity to practice and embed understanding of practical skills in preparation for the assessment of their learning. This free online course allows you to discuss the relationship between theoretical concepts and practical work, challenging you to think about what is happening in the classroom and what your students are learning through practical work in chemistry. Participants on this online course will develop and share creative ways of teaching practical chemistry with approaches that are applicable to a range of curricula, for example GCSE required practicals and other practical syllabuses for 14-16 year old students.

If no dates are shown, you may still be able to join this course directly on FutureLearn. Mentor supported until 10/07/2020.

"The course presented a different way to approach practical work in the classroom. It was very good to learn about some different approaches and to think about the pupils" - Course ParticipantWho is it for?

The course has been designed as CPD for teachers of science subjects for 14-16 year olds. Teachers of chemistry, early career teachers, returning teachers, non-specialist teachers, technicians and teaching assistants will gain from the peer learning and resources available on this course. Learn from national CPD subject leaders, the experience of other teachers and access high quality supporting resources throughout this course.

What topics are covered?

This three week course covers:

• practical work for 14-16 year olds for the following key topics: titration and salt preparation, rates of reaction, electrolysis
• contextualising practical work in chemistry to the everyday environment
• how progression in practical work impacts on students’ learning
• assessment of learning through practical work
• approaches to teaching practical science that can be applied to other topic areas

This course takes around three hours per week to complete. You can choose when and where to participate, studying around your work and life commitments. You are supported and encouraged to discuss your ideas with fellow teachers, try out activities, apply concepts to your teaching context and reflect on your practice. You will have access to high-quality resources, including classroom footage and guidance from experienced teachers and careers experts.

You will have five weeks free access to this course. To receive a certificate (once eligible) and for extended access, you will need to Upgrade with FutureLearn.

Who are the course leaders?

This course is led by Mark Langley and Tim Bradbury, STEM Learning.

This course has been developed by the Subject Expert Team at The National STEM Learning Centre. You will be supported online by our secondary science professional development leaders, including a Q&A opportunity.