On the Ball - Particle Models for 11-14 year olds (Key Stage 3 Science)

This resource contains examples of models which can be used in conjunction with teaching 11-14 year olds (England and Wales KS3 'Materials and their properties'). The underlying consensus model is that of particle theory.

Each page in the resource has common features as shown:

1.   A clear National Curriculum Reference to the exemplar QCA scheme of work. The following units are covered in this pack:

• 7F Simple chemical reactions
• 7G Particle model of solids, liquids and gases
• 7H Solutions
• 8I Heating and Cooling
• 8E Atoms and Elements
• 8F Compounds and mixtures 9E Reactions of metals and metal compounds
• 9F Patterns of reactivity 9H Using Chemistry

2.   Consensus model - This shows one representation of the accepted scientific model. It is this model we are trying to help pupils understand as an aid towards developing understanding of key concepts.

This is done through:

• Showing the strengths and weaknesses of appropriate Concrete models;
• Allowing Student ideas about the models to be explored fully, so that students have a clear opportunity to articulate their understanding in relation to the consensus model;
• Showing or carrying out Observations which relate the models to examples of the concept in practice;
• Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the particular Consensus model itself.

Suggestions for Student activities and key questions are included. KS3 'student speak' answers to questions are shown, recognising that these are not always full scientific answers. They are intended to encourage explanations in terms of particles.

It is important that Student evaluation encourages you and the students to examine the good and bad features of the model in aiding their understanding of the key concept.

Drawings of models follow relevant pages. These are intended to be used as OHTs to illustrate the model and highlight its strengths and weaknesses.

The resource is available as one complete document, or individual sections:

Complete file * (3MB)

• Introduction *
• 11-12 years *
• 12-13 years *
• 13-14 years *
• The research evidence *

This resource is part of the Chemical Misconceptions selection of publications from the RSC. Go to the Chemical Misconceptions Homepage

Mini Guide

* These are PDF files and require the Adobe Acrobat Reader