Chemistry for our Future resources - Strand 1
Strand 1 includes the widening participation project Chemistry: The Next Generation (CTNG) and Spectroscopy in a Suitcase (SIAS) which provides schools and colleges with access to state-of-the-art equipment; contextualising the subject; bringing it to life and engaging students.
Chemistry: The Next Generation (CTNG) Activities
Downloadable Files
Activity 1 - Murder in the Lab
This event gives students a flavour of state of the art analytical techniques that are used in an area of chemistry which many students know something about from television - forensic science
PDF (723k)
Activity 2 - Renewable energy from sunlight to electricity
In this activity students make their own Gratzel cells and use them to power a calculator
PDF (915k)
Activity 3 - Photolithography
Students use photolithography - the process of using light to transfer a pattern onto a surface - to create their own printed circuit boards
PDF (730k)
Activity 4 - Make your own electrochromic polymer
Students discover that the best polymers produced can conduct electricity almost as well as copper - one of the best conducting metals
PDF (1722k)
Activity 5 - Aspirin, the wonder drug
Students learn that aspirin is not only used as a pain killer but is used effectively in treating various forms of arthritis and in reducing the incidence of heart disease
PDF (217k)
Activity 6 - Organic molecules day
Students carry out the nitration of a simple aromatic compound and then look at the product using various analytical techniques
PDF (1441k)
Activity 7 - Chemistry Masterclass
This activity is designed to allow students to isolate the physiologically active organic compound in a medicine currently marketed by a pharmaceutical company.
PDF (259k)
Activity 8 - Snap, crakle and snot
During this half day workshop students investigate the properties and affects of temperature on physical state.
PDF (1876k)
Activity 9 - Synthesis and spectroscopy
Students carry out the end to end synthesis of a simple organic molecule, starting from preparing and isolating cyclohexene followed by purification and full characterisation of their samples using a range of spectroscopic techniques.
PDF (1658k)
Activity 10 - The Salter cellar mystery
This session introduces students to the world of forensic science and involves gathering chemical and fingerprint evidence to solve a crime.
PDF (3297k)
Activity 11 - Yr 9 Chemistry Day
Students are introduced to polymer chemistry by isolating and investigating the properties of casein protein found in milk. The students conduct further investigations on the density of various plastics and synthesise bouncing custard.
PDF (1354k)
Activity 12 - Chemistry of dentistry
Students learn about the role of chemistry in dentistry through investigating the factors which affect tooth decay.
PDF (1821k)
Activity 13 - Colour chemistry
Students investigate the properties of colour and use colour to demonstrate the affects of surface tension of liquids and redox reactions.
PDF (2636k)
Activity 14 - Chemistry is fun!
This demonstration lecture introduces younger student to the properties of physical states and the changes which occur when moving from one phase to another.
PDF (526k)
Activity 15 - Green plastics
This practical session introduces students to green chemistry, the need to change to a more sustainable society and the issue of fossil fuels versus bio-plastics.
PDF (436k)
Activity 16 - Chemistry in your shopping basket
This is a one hour activity to demonstrate to pupils in Years 6-9 that chemistry is everywhere, including the items you may purchase in a supermarket. The event is based on five themes - Carbon dioxide, Nitrogen, Crude oil, Sodium Chloride and UV - and incorporates five small experiments that can easily be delivered in a classroom.
PDF (493k)
Chemistry in Your Shopping Basket Presentation
Presentation to accompany Activity 16 - Peter Hoare (Newcastle University) and Anne Willis (Northumbria University)
PDF (1331k)
PDF files require
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Hands on video
Downloadable Files
Hands on and Hands free DVD - Event
Explaining importance of chemistry in every day life
WMV (12526k)
PDF files require
Adobe Acrobat Reader
SIAS Resources Packs
Downloadable Files
Student Spectroscopy in a Suitcase Resource Packs
A student resource pack has been produced with introductions to spectroscopic methods, detailed workshops using spectroscopy and spectrometry and exercises
PDF (5568k)
Teacher Spectroscopy in a Suitcase Resource Packs
A teacher resource pack has been produced with introductions to spectroscopic methods, detailed workshops using spectroscopy and spectrometry and exercises.
PDF (7229k)
PDF files require
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Related Links
SpectraSchool
Interactive website providing a variety of resource materials for students and teachers including real spectra.
Modern Instrumental Techniques for Schools and Colleges link
Clips of Modern Instrumental Techniques for Schools and Colleges hosted by YouTube. Receive a free copy of teh DVD by contacting teh RSC education team.
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Contact and Further Information
Education Department
Royal Society of Chemistry, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BA
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7440 3344
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7287 9825
