Flexible Learning - An Integrated Approach to Chemistry Teaching
Overview of Flexible Learning Pack Content
Example of a mind map.
Flexible learning packs deliver complete AS and A2 topics and are invaluable as revision material.
For non-specialists teaching chemistry or chemical concepts in related subjects (e.g. Kinetics
or The Mole), they offer a complete support package.
Co-written with a former Head of Chemistry of a sixth form college, the packs include:
- references to the 2008 specifications
- software providing experimental simulations and animations to illustrate difficult concepts.
- self-paced learning materials in booklet form, linking the software to the specification via a clearly defined route.
- a summary of the section of the specification the pack covers.
- exam questions with mark schemes.
- recommended experiments with mark schemes.
- demonstration experiments.
- 'mind maps' to enable students to see the topics as a whole.
- a progress sheet to include both staff and student comments.
- a list of useful websites.
- examples of how to incorporate Key Skills in the section of the specification.
Documents required to make up the student booklets are provided in MS Word
and PowerPoint formats and may be altered to suit particular teaching
requirements. (The documents are also provided in PDF format.) The software may
also be copied for students to study at home.
For more information about Flexible Learning Packs, contact us online.
A2 Aliphatic screenshots and information
This pack is split into two sections, both in the A2 specification:
- 'Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids' covers the
chemical and physical properties of the compounds in the title.
NMR and IR spectra of simple
example compounds are provided.
Nomenclature, physical properties, preparation and chemical properties are described in detail.
Appropriate practical exercises are included.
- 'Acid Derivatives and Nitrogen Compounds' introduces
the homologous series acid chlorides, acid anhydrides acid amides, esters and polyesters,
amines and polyamides, amino acids and nitriles.
NMR and IR spectra of simple example
compounds are provided and nomenclature,
physical properties, preparation and chemical properties are described.
Acid - Base screenshots and information
This pack is split into two sections, both in the A2 specification:
- 'Acid - Base I': Brønsted-Lowry definitions, introduction to acid - base equilibria, strong and weak acids, pH, Kw, pOH and Ka.
- 'Acid - Base II': buffer solutions and calculations, pKa, indicators and pH titration curves.
Alcohols and Halogenoalkanes screenshots and information
This pack is split into two sections, both in the AS specification:
- 'Alcohols' - nomenclature, physical properties, preparation, reactions,
physiological effects, hazard & risk.
- 'Halogenoalkanes' - nomenclature, physical properties, elimination and nucleophilic substitution
reactions (including SN1 and SN2 mechanisms), optical isomerism, the ozone layer and
CFCs.
Note: We are in the process of creating a series of AS and A2 organic chemistry packs which will eventually replace our current package Organic.
If you already have Organic, you can purchase the Alcohols and Halogenoalkanes Flexible Learning Pack
as an upgrade (price list).
Alkanes and Alkenes screenshots and information
This pack is split into two sections, both in the AS specification:
- 'Alkanes' - functional groups and homologous series, structural and geometric isomerism, reactions and mechanisms, alkanes as fuels, environmental considerations and carbon footprints.
- 'Alkenes' - naming and identification of alkenes, isomerism (including E,Z isomerism), electrophilic addition reaction mechanisms, Markovnikov's Rule, oxidation to alcohols, functional group tests, free radical addition mechanisms in polymerisations.
Note: We are in the process of creating a series of AS and A2 organic chemistry packs which will eventually replace our current package Organic.
If you already have Organic, you can purchase the Alkanes and Alkenes Flexible Learning Pack
as an upgrade (price list).
Atomic Structure screenshots and information
This pack is split into two sections, both in the AS specification:
- 'Atomic Structure I': elements and atoms, atomic number and mass number, ions, isotopes, mass spectrometry,
atom economy and nanoscience.
- 'Atomic Structure II': electron shells, ionisation energies and electron affinities, s and p orbitals, electron configurations, periodicity.
Energetics screenshots and information
This pack is split into two sections covering the AS and A2 specifications:
- 'Energetics I': AS topics including enthalpy change, Hess's Law, bond enthalpies.
- 'Energetics II': A2 topics including enthalpies of formation, ionisation, atomisation, solvation etc, Born-Haber Cycles.
Equilibrium screenshots and information
This pack is split into two sections covering the AS and A2 specifications:
- 'Equilibrium I': AS topics introduce the fundamental concepts of chemical equilibria, Le Châtelier's Principle, and industrial applications in the Contact and Haber Processes.
- 'Equilibrium II': A2 topics deal with Kc, Kp, units, gaseous systems and partial pressures and the effect of temperature on Kc.
Note: The Equilibrium Flexible Learning Pack replaces EQ.
If you already have EQ, you can purchase this pack as an upgrade (price list).
Kinetics screenshots and information
This pack is split into three sections covering the AS and A2 specifications:
- 'Kinetics I': bridging the gap from GCSE to AS level, concepts such as factors affecting rate,
collision theory, Maxwell-Boltzmann, activation energy and catalysts are introduced.
- 'Kinetics II': A2 topics such as experimental techniques, methods of measuring rates,
initial rates, half lives, the Arrhenius Equation and rate determining steps are covered.
- 'Kinetics Simulations': This stand-alone simulation package allows the student to simulate
different reactions and vary reaction conditions.
The Kinetics pack also contains GasSim - a stand-alone
demonstration of the collision theory.
Note: The Kinetics Flexible Learning Pack replaces KineticSim.
If you already have KineticSim, you can purchase this pack as an upgrade (price list).
Moles screenshots and information
This pack is split into three sections, all in the AS specification:
- 'Moles I': moles of solids. Also covers ionic and molecular formulae, Ar, Mr and the Avogadro constant L.
- 'Moles II': moles of gases. Also covers writing full and ionic equations, and reacting masses.
- 'Moles III': moles in solution. Also covers how to make standard solutions, pipette solutions and carry out volumetric analysis (titrations).
Redox screenshots and information
This pack is split into two sections covering the AS and A2 specifications:
- 'Redox I' introduces oxidation numbers and naming conventions in ions and compounds including oxyions. The concepts
of oxidation, reduction, oxidising and reducing agents, balancing redox equations and disproportionation are covered.
- 'Redox II' covers standard half cells, electrode potentials, electrochemical cells and potential differences, the hydrogen electrode,
electrode potential charts, predictions about feasibility of reactions, rusting and shorthand notation.
Structure and Bonding screenshots and information
This pack is split into two sections, all in the AS specification:
- 'Structure and Bonding I' covers covalent and dative covalent bonds, dot-and-cross diagrams, orbitals and
hybrid (sp3) orbitals, electronegativity, polarity, VSEPR theory and introduces giant
(macromolecular) covalent structures.
- 'Structure and Bonding II' introduces metallic bonds, discusses the properties of metals, ionic bonds and
their dot-and-cross diagrams, and intermolecular forces.
Cost
Each Flexible Learning Pack is provided with an unlimited license. This allows unlimited distribution and copying of both
software and written materials for students in your institution.
Each pack costs £40.25 (£35 plus VAT@15%).
Upgrades from existing packages cost £11.50 (£10 plus VAT@15%).
