English National Curriculum - Science
Mission Objectives
Identify reactants and products from a variety of chemical reactions
Develop an understanding of chemical formula and symbols for elements and compounds
Develop the concept of balancing chemical equations, and conserving mass
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Words and meanings to learn
balanced
when an equation has the number of atoms of each element the same on both sides, obeying the law of conservation of mass
conservation of mass
principle stating that mass is neither created or destroyed in a chemical reaction
reactant
the substances that start a chemical reaction and are found on the left side of a chemical equation
formulae
representing chemical substances using symbols and numbers; e.g H2O indicates two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom
product
the substances that are formed as a result of a chemical reaction
Samantha is an accomplished science educator whose current work centres on curriculum design and professional development, supporting teachers to deliver high-quality science education through evidence-informed approaches. She is a former Head of Chemistry and Sixth Form Tutor with extensive Key Stage 4 and 5 experience, and has worked as an AQA examiner, giving her valuable insight into assessment standards and what students need to succeed.
Samantha has written the complete KS4 Science curriculum, fully aligned with the AQA GCSE Science: Trilogy specification. Covering biology, chemistry and physics, the curriculum is carefully sequenced so that students build knowledge cumulatively and see clear connections between concepts across the three sciences. Drawing on her experience as an examiner and on research into effective teaching, she has designed it to embed retrieval practice, clear explanation, worked examples and the required practicals throughout, preparing students for the demands of the GCSE exams. Grounded in the realities of the classroom, the curriculum is rigorous for students and manageable for busy teachers.
In her spare time, Samantha enjoys playing the accordion with her local orchestra and has recently taken up cricket.
Whiteboards - useful to help students with working out balancing equations.
Balancing equations - handout.
Expert film
Mission assignment film
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