Combustion, thermal decomposition, oxidation and displacement reactions
This lists suggests a range of activities which explore combustion, thermal decomposition, oxidation and displacement. Practical tips for successful demonstrations, suggested teaching approaches and ideas for extending students' thinking are included.
The resources support the teaching linked to the following topics:
- chemical reactions as the rearrangement of atoms
- representing chemical reactions - using formulae and using equations
- combustion, thermal decomposition, oxidation and displacement reactions
Visit the secondary science webpage to access all lists: www.nationalstemcentre.org.uk/secondaryscience
Whilst this list provides a source of information and ideas for experimental work, it is important to note that recommendations can date very quickly. Do NOT follow suggestions which conflict with current advice from CLEAPSS, SSERC or recent safety guides. eLibrary users are responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is consistent with current regulations related to health and safety and that they carry an appropriate risk assessment. Further information is provided in our Health and Safety guidance.
Flaming Hand
A really good, attention grabbing demonstration showing methane bubbles being lit in the air and whilst on the demonstrator's hand. The resource contains a video and an instruction booklet.
Whoosh bottle
This demonstration involves lighting a splint to ignite propan-2-ol in a 25 litre drinks dispenser bottle. Lighting the vapour makes an impressive whoosh sound and flames shoot out of the bottle. The bottle could be placed on scales or a force sensor to measure the thrust from the ignition.
Stuff and Substance: Ten Key Practicals in Chemistry *suitable for home teaching*
This is a great set of practical activities to demonstrate particle theory. Along with comprehensive teacher notes in the booklet, there are a series of useful powerpoint presentations.
Demonstrating Chemistry: The Science of Fireworks *suitable for home teaching*
This video shows a number of exciting experiments about fireworks that can not be done in the classroom. The experiments look at combustion and oxidation as well as some of the physics involved.
Demonstrating Chemistry: Fireworks in the Classroom
An interesting video detailing how to carry out firework themed demonstrations in the classroom. Experiments include; combustion basics, oxidation and oxidising agents, making a flash, and making a delay fuse.
Fire extinguishers and combustion *suitable for home teaching*
In this predict-observe-explain activity, students explore different ways of extinguishing a flame with some surprising results. The lesson is introduced with the video of engineer Yusuf Muhammad. Yusuf is developing a revolutionary new household fire-safety device, incorporating the techniques of professional firefighters into everyday kitchen plumbing. His device extinguishes fires fast and aims to save lives. The resource includes a video, teacher notes and a student worksheet.
Hydrogen as an Energy Carrier
Various activities linked to combustion.
