Analytical techniques

GCSE teaching starts with looking at a definition of mixtures and then simple separation techniques with reasons for their use, including paper chromatography, evaporation, distillation and filtering. It is likely that students will have looked at differences in solubility and boiling point as a reason for this separation, but they may not have experience of using the terms mobile or stationary phases or many applications beyond coloured substances like inks or dyes. It is important to move this thinking on at T level, if possible, to other scenarios and applications of the techniques with possible links to where this might be seen in industry. Titration, however, will probably only have been seen in detail from students who have taken Triple Science and so the background understanding of students may vary and this will need to be introduced from scratch. 

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 other 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.’