Materials and chemical properties
This T level topic area is concerned with relating the structure of substances to their properties. Although students will have come across examples of alkali metals and transition metals previously at GCSE, they will perhaps not be aware of all the reactions named in this specification and some of the transition metal properties may be new to them as these are mainly covered in the Triple science qualification. Misconceptions about group 1 include metals 'wanting' to give away electrons and giving other anthropomorphic explanations such as being stronger, rather than more reactive. Students may also not have come across transition metals outside of the ones listed in the reactivity series, so chance to experience other examples may be helpful at this point.
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.
Alkali Metals *suitable for home teaching*
Students may remember watching the demonstration of alkali metals in water from KS3 or GCSE. This video explains why Dara O'Briain likes the alkali metals so much and could be watched as a reminder and for students to correct his use of language (you could give a list of words that can be improved) e.g. naming the 'trough' or suggesting the word 'effervesce'.
The Periodic Table: Ferocious Elements *suitable for home teaching*
A simple video that allows a comparison of the properties of transition metals and alkali metals and links to their uses. Halogens are also included here, but this section is at the end of the video so could be left out. This could be used as an introduction to these metals, or as a homework to consolidate student understanding.
Modern materials: advanced metals
Titanium is an interesting transition metal and this resource looks at its memorable uses and properties, with examples that can be used in teaching the topic. It could be used as a comparison to alkali metal properties and uses.
Composites: Designing Materials for the Future
There are several parts to this resource that could be used in lessons. The pdf file: Composites: designing materials for the future is helpful to give ideas for modelling how different composites combine materials to help improve the properties of substances and includes some useful background understanding for teachers. The word or pdf files below that then have a variety of practical activities that could be used to look at how changing one variable affects the properties of the substance e.g. activity A7 makes and tests a biocomposite material that students could look at after learning about composites to apply their understanding to a new product.
Build an atom simulation
A simulation that allows students to add protons, neutrons and electrons to make 'neutral atoms' and then highlights the position of that element in the periodic table. It could also be used to test out ideas students might have from GCSE, like 'There must always be equal numbers of protons and electrons to make a neutral atom'.
Alkali metals: part 1
This is a collection of videos from the RSC that shows a wide range of alkali metal reactions. The videos most likely to be of use in this situation are video 2, talking about the electronic structure of the alkali metals and video 10, showing the reaction of lithium in air.