Developing microscale practicals for use in the chemistry classroom

This session aims to show how we have re-imagined some standard test-tube reactions across KS3-5, on the microscale allowing students to focus on making appropriate observations. Participants in this session will not only get hands on experience of a range of puddle experiments but be given time to consider how they might adapt their own experiments to the microscale. Inspired by Bob Worley’s puddle chemistry and recent book ‘Understanding chemistry through microscale practical work’ [B Worley and D Paterson], we have either used directly or developed a range of microscale experiments for use in class as they enable pupils to really focus on developing their observational skills. We consider these skills to be pivotal to understanding what is actually happening in a chemical reaction. The experiments we will discuss are ones we have tried and tested and have been integrated into our Schemes of Learning (SoLs) over the last few years. To enable this integration, our technicians have developed sets of microscale bottles and apparatus for use between pairs of students, that are now used routinely in lessons. This simplifies not only the ordering process but the organisation of the practicals in the classroom and the clearing away. Examples of these sets will be used in the session. We envisage this session being useful to any 11-19 chemistry teachers but particularly ECTs and also technicians. We have enjoyed developing our microscale experiments and think that there have been many benefits to their inclusion in our suite of practicals. Participants should gain •an understanding our microscale journey as a department •hands on experience of a range of microscale 'puddle' experiments •time to consider and discuss where microscale practicals could fit into their SoLs •time to consider limitations of microscale experiments