Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 09/04/2026We’ve booked to take our Y8s to the Big Bang Fair in June. I’d be interested to hear if any schools have some good strategies for how to ensure the students get the most from the visit - so much to see and do. 010
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 04/03/2026We have just had a statue of Ada Lovelace unveiled in Hinckley town centre as she was born in a nearby village, so I definitely need to read ‘The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage.’ Thanks for compiling the list ;-) 110
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 26/01/2026How can you make Chemistry the best department in school? Tell a story with an added WOW factor for National Story Telling Week 2026 of course 💥 edu.rsc.org/ideas/combin...edu.rsc.orgCombine stories and demos for wow lessonsWeave storytelling into classroom practicals to deepen engagement and understanding 021
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 11/01/2026What’s the best school trip you’ve been on? edu.rsc.org/feature/why-...edu.rsc.orgWhy school trips matterBuild positive relationships, raise learners' science capital and bring a fresh perspective back to the classroom 000
Reposted by Catherine SmithEducation in Chemistry @rsc-eic.bsky.social · 10/12/2025🔥 A jaw-dropping demo can spark curiosity, but how do you keep that flame alive? Discover the secret to turning excitement into lasting learning 💡 edu.rsc.org/ideas/combin... #iteachchemedu.rsc.orgCombine stories and demos for wow lessonsWeave storytelling into classroom practicals to deepen engagement and understanding 001
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 15/10/2025Delighted to see this go live. Looking forward to using it with Y13 to compare the different types of chromatography and introduce them to how the techniques are used in industry. #chatchemistry 030
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 08/06/2025What analogies do you use to help students understand collision theory? Love the idea of children playing in a playground mentioned in this article. #iteachchem 030
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 05/06/2025Are your Y13s struggling to decipher exam questions on acids and bases? Download the revision tree from this resource to help them with those last minute revision panics. #Alevel #Chemistry 130
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 02/06/2025Another great article on practical work in Chemistry from ianmcdaid.bsky.social I’ll be giving a good few of these a go in future lessons.ianmcdaid.bsky.socialIan McDaid FCCT (@ianmcdaid.bsky.social)STEM Leader, 100 Ideas Outstanding Science Lessons BloomsburyBooks-ERA Best Secondary Resource, STEM Learning Senior Professional Development Lead, RSC EiC contributor 010
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 15/05/2025First time in several years I’ve taught the rock cycle. Time for a game or two of ‘Roll N Rock’ with Y8. Any misconceptions about there being just one route round the rock cycle busted! edu.rsc.org/infographics... 010
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 21/04/2025Having experienced colleagues who are confident enough to share being caught out by a good question and discuss it informally over lunch can really change the culture in a department. 030
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 21/04/2025100% agree. This is why retention of experienced staff is vital. Although you might think you have good subject knowledge only by teaching the content do you realise your own knowledge gaps. There is nothing like being asked ‘But why…’ or ‘What if….’ for seeing if you really understand a concept. 130
Reposted by Catherine SmithEducation in Chemistry @rsc-eic.bsky.social · 01/04/2025Concentrate 14–16 learners' minds on solubility with this article by @catsmi.bsky.social full of ideas and teaching strategies #SciTeachUK #scienceteachers #teachingtips edu.rsc.org/cpd/how-to-t... 001
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 10/03/2025Thanks for the video. Its logic is so counter intuitive especially for students not strong in maths. Adds an extra level of complexity to already difficult calculations. 000
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 10/03/2025Does anyone know if there is a way to change the settings on the new version of the Casio Classwiz so that the x10^ in a number in standard form is bound to the number? Alternatively does anyone have recommendations for the best calculator for non-mathsy A-level students? 110
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 10/02/2025Some great practicals in this sequence. I’m embarrassed to admit I’ve never reacted chlorine with sodium (mainly because of the requirement for a gas jar of chlorine) but this has reminded me I must get it into my repertoire. 010
Reposted by Catherine SmithNorfolk Research School @norfolkrs.bsky.social · 07/02/2025Why don't scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything! For some slightly more educational information on atomic structure and tips on how to teach it, read @chemDrK's article here - buff.ly/3CDZF2q 032
Reposted by Catherine SmithNiki Kaiser @nikika.bsky.social · 04/02/2025My latest article for @rsc-eic.bsky.social on how to teach atomic structure at 14-16 includes common misconceptions to look out for (and the RADAAR resource I developed at @theeef.bsky.social ) edu.rsc.org/cpd/how-to-t...edu.rsc.orgHow to teach atomic structure at 14–16Strengthen your students' grasp of the atom and electronic configurations with these models and strategies 032
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 20/01/2025Thanks for sharing this Dave. As a student my secondary school had an unofficial (I think) motto of ‘Success is its own reward.’ We all bought in as a result I believe of being guided to develop the human needs you list. 110
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 20/01/2025Great to see this go live. Do have a look at the linked resource if you’re about to teach transition metals; a nice practical with synoptic questions covering the different types of isomerism from across the curriculum. 030
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 18/01/2025Not chemistry but we had a great lesson last week investigating energy transfers with this PhET simulation. How does the mass and starting height of the skate boarder (the dog of course) affect their final speed? phet.colorado.edu/en/simulatio...phet.colorado.eduEnergy Skate ParkLearn about the conservation of energy at the skate park! Build tracks, ramps, and jumps for the skater. View the skater's kinetic energy, potential energy, and thermal energy as they move along the t... 020
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 16/01/2025We’re watching Digging for Britain. The potter has just referred to iron oxide as a molecule. Sigh. 010
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 15/01/2025My class did a question today where they had to draw measuring rate with a syringe. Seemed very GCSE but in an old A-level paper. 120
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 05/01/2025Straight back to teaching tomorrow with a 5 period day; Y9, Y8, Y11, Y10 and finishing with Y13 being introduced to buffers. Wish me luck ;-0 010
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 15/12/2024Excellent suggestions in this blog for simple tweaks to your lesson that can help improve learning. 011
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 07/12/2024Some great advice for teaching Conservation of Mass at 14-16 in this article. Discussion of the foundational work of Kanada is an excellent example of how to add diversity to the curriculum #chatchemistry edu.rsc.org/cpd/teaching...edu.rsc.org 020
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 28/11/2024This pen is a game changer. I’ve had the same board pen for 8 wks and refilled 4 times, each time as good as new. So nice not to be throwing away plastic every few weeks ;-) 120
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 10/11/2024Thanks for the update. Definitely sounds like something I need to give a go. 000
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 27/10/2024Last few days for teachers in the East Midlands to register for the RSC Top of the Bench competition. Register here forms.gle/nxXbkqcYesDB... edu.rsc.org/enrichment/t...forms.gleRSC East Midlands Local Section - Top of the Bench Competition 2024/25Thank you for expressing an interest in the Top of the Bench competition. More details about the competition can be found on the RSC website Top of the Bench competition | RSC Education To select the... 000
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 02/10/2024I’d like to highlight the Royal Society Summer Science exhibition. Great for the end of Y12 (plus the students get to go to London!) #chatchemistry 130
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 02/10/2024I try to make clear links with what students learnt at GCSE when starting new topics so students can see the progression. #chatchemistry 130
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 23/09/2024Another great WOW factor for this is the methane rocket. Students balance the equation to work out the perfect ratio of methane to oxygen for the ultimate rocket. Needs some practise before hand though if you’ve not done it before. edu.rsc.org/experiments/...edu.rsc.orgThe methane rocketIgnite methane with oxygen in a bottle, and amaze students with this methane rocket. Contains kit list and safety instructions. 110
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 16/09/2024Turning the solid into something students could easily see along with the physical act of cutting made such a difference. It’s only taken me 17yrs to figure out the best way to teach this! 120
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 16/09/2024For years I’ve taught about SA linked to rates but students have got confused because they can’t see that the overall amount doesn’t change. This year I made a cube from play dough and we calculated the SA. We then chopped the same cube into 8 and recalculated. All misconceptions vanished! 273
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 09/09/2024I’d be interested to hear your reflections in October. MWBs are such a valuable teaching tool but for some classes the ‘faff’ overpowers. I guess like everything in teaching it’s all about getting the systems correct. 210
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 07/09/2024Just 1 h for us. We have a late lunch from 1.20 until essentially 2. 120
Catherine Smith @catsmi.bsky.social · 01/09/2024When teaching about bonding in metals what do you call the black spheres in the images in the article? Atoms…..but they are charged? Ions……but has the electron been fully lost? Atomic cores? As teachers do we add to student misconceptions with the models we introduce? edu.rsc.org/cpd/teaching...edu.rsc.orgTeaching structure and bonding in metals at 14–16Help your learners to master the fundamentals of metallic bonding 4105
