Description
This specially created practical day will give KS4 students the opportunity to review key practicals from year 1 of the IGCSE chemistry specification. We will use these practicals as an opportunity to do content revision, discuss the scientific method, practice maths and think about exam technique eg writing methods.
Example practicals (tbc):
- Model making – basic principles of particle model, atoms, elements compounds and mixtures, ions and isotopes
- Exothermic reactions – Group 1 metals, Mg combustion
- Conservation of mass – Mg in crucibles, working out empirical formula of Magnesium oxide
- Reactivity series – metals and acids, evolution and testing of hydrogen
- Endothermic reactions – thermal decomposition of copper carbonate (demo)
- Rates of reaction – marble chips and acid (temp/conc)
- Flame tests – salts
- Solubility at different temps – NaCl vs KNO3
Students will:
- Understand why practical investigations are important in science and how they contribute to good exam results
- Develop understanding of the scientific method and application of it to exam questions
- Improve scientific vocabulary relating to the scientific method and investigative skills
- Deepen knowledge and understanding of scientific principles
- Learn how to use scientific equipment carefully and accurately
The schedule for the day is currently as follows (subject to change communicated via email):
- 10-10.15am arrivals, safety briefing
- 10-12pm Lab 1 (see below)
- 12-12.45pm lunch
- 12.45-2.45 Lab 2
- 2.45-3pm plenary
All equipment will be provided including aprons, gloves and safety goggles.
Students should bring a stocked pencil case, note pad, calculator, packed lunch (avoiding nuts), be able to tie hair back and wear appropriate clothing (ie closed shoes, no baggy sleeves, not best designer wear!). There are various options for parents (ie leave, stay here, go to cafe next door, work etc) which we’ll discuss over email.
To guarantee your child’s place on the day please select a ticket and proceed to checkout. Usual Ts and Cs apply. Refund for this ticket is 100% if I cancel for any reason and 50% if you cancel with more than 48 hours notice. Tickets are non-transferable (ie for your sole use only). Directions to the venue and other relevant information will be provided via email. The minimum number of students required for this course to take place is 4. If these numbers are not obtained you will be advised before the course takes place and a full refund will be processed.
Your Tutor
Andy Milson BSc, PGCE
Andy is a qualified and experienced science teacher who has worked as both a secondary school teacher and a private tutor since 2009. He has also worked in research for the NHS and in CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services). Andy’s love of science started as a child when he used to create fact files about plants and animals. Andy is interested in all types of science from Astronomy to Zoology and likes to help his students link their learning to everyday life. Andy is a co-founder of Tutor Led Learning.
It’s important to be nice…
We treat all members of our community with respect and expect our students to do the same. We will not tolerate any abusive language or behaviour towards either students or tutors and we may remove students who behave inappropriately from any lesson without warning or refund.
