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A series of short videos on interesting discussion/thinking points, e.g. 'How half a degree could change the world forever'. Well worth a look.

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"Sustainable thinking" Playlist - BBC Ideas

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Explore "Sustainable thinking" at BBC Ideas. Watch this playlist to see our curated "Sustainable thinking" videos, and explore other "Sustainable thinking" related content.

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Molecule of the month – University of Bristol School of Chemistry

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Molecule of the month – University of Bristol School of Chemistry

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The ‘Molecule of the Month’ website hosted by the University of Bristol Chemistry team is a great resource which highlights a different molecule every month dating back to Jan 1996. As teachers, we can celebrate the website’s ‘Molecule of the month’ but a helpful T&L activity is for students to choose their own ‘Molecule of the month’ to celebrate within the classroom. December 2021’s contribution by Roderick Edmonds at Eton College is a fine summary of a pertinent topic for this season ‘Ethanol – ancient intoxicant, spectacular solvent and future fuel’. Each molecule has been carefully researched with an accompanying bibliography and well presented, clear images.

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Welcome to the Molecule of the Month page!

This is one of the longest running chemistry webpages on the internet. Each month since January 1996 a new molecule has been added to the list on this page, which makes this one of the longest running Chemical websites on the internet! The links will take you to a page at one of the Web sites at a University Chemistry Department or commercial site in the UK, the US, or anywhere in the world, where useful (and hopefully entertaining!), information can be found about a particularly interesting molecule.

Each month's new molecule will be announced on Twitter [@MoleculeM] and via an RSS newsfeed [http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/motm/rss.xml].

We are always happy to receive Molecule of the Month articles from anyone who wishes to submit one. If you wish to contribute a MOTM article, there's a document containing all the information you need online.

What do I need to see the pages properly?

See here for all the details of software and helper files you require. In brief, next to each molecule name (scroll down the page) there will be one or more of the following buttons. Clicking each button takes you to a different version of the page, as described below.

A simple HTML-only page with text and images.

A page in pdf format. (Requires a Adobe Acrobat viewer).

A page with optional VRML structure files. (Requires a VRML viewer such as Cortona).

A page with embedded CHIME structure files. (Requires the CHIME plug-in to be installed on your browser).

A page with embedded java structure files. (Requires Java to be enabled on your browser).

A page with embedded javascript structure files. (Requires a browser that supports HTML5).

See here for a list of the awards and citations received by this page and a disclaimer.

Above is a drop-down alphabetical list of all the molecules. Click on your molecule of choice to take you directly to it in the chronological table below.

Buy a book containing many of these molecules!

Paul May and Simon Cotton have compiled a set of some of the most important and interesting molecules from this website, as well as many more that have never been published before, and published them as a book that you can buy from the Taylor and Francis website or from other online retailers.

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The Molecule of the Month home page, based at the School of Chemistry, University of Bristol

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Lockdown lectures – University of York Department of Chemistry

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Lockdown lectures – University of York Department of Chemistry

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Please do not be put off by the title of this lecture series - the University of York Department of Chemistry have shared seven short (approximately ten minutes per lecture) videos featuring academic staff talking about how their research influences student learning.

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Take a look at our videos featuring academic staff that showcase how our world-leading interdisciplinary research influences our teaching.

Our staff continuously push the boundaries of knowledge and their research informs what you learn. We have an outstanding reputation, and our innovative undergraduate courses will give you insight into the world around you, and the skills to thrive.

Lockdown lecture #1 Dr Victor Chechik

Dr Chechik discusses his interest in detecting and studying radical intermediates, such as using EPR spectroscopy to probe hair bleaching.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKzUtbzZp24&feature=youtu.be
Read more about Dr Chechik's research.

Lockdown lecture #2 Dr Christopher Spicer

In this question and answer session with our undergraduate students Mae and Alastair, Dr Spicer talks about his research interests, the COVID-19 situation, his proudest scientific achievement and much more!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciMN5mLg8CE
Read more about Dr Spicer's research.

Lockdown lecture #3 Research Snippets

Get a flavour of our exciting chemistry research from four academic members of staff who give an insight into their research programmes.

These clips are taken from our open learning course, which our undergraduate students complete in the fourth year of their MChem degree.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RX1TjvTME9U&app=desktop
Lockdown lecture #4 Dr Avtar Matharu

Dr Avtar Matharu discusses research by our Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence, explaining why spongy white orange pith is a valuable resource.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPNs1mbmLzM
Read more about Dr Matharu's research.

Lockdown lecture #5 Nick Burton

In this question and answer session with our undergraduate students Mae and Alastair, one of our former undergraduate Chemistry at York students, Nick Burton, talks about his role as a Technologist at Infineum UK Ltd, how his MChem degree prepared him for this job, and much more!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vflH99l9GWw&feature=youtu.be
Lockdown lecture #6 Dr John Slattery

In this question and answer session with our undergraduate students Mae and Alastair, Dr Slattery talks about his research interests, the COVID-19 situation, his proudest scientific achievement and much more!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyGWv6-mMp4&feature=youtu.be
Lockdown lecture #7 Dr John Slattery

So why are ionic liquids important and why are they worth studying? Dr John Slattery gives an insight into his research interests in building predictive models to aid the design of ionic liquids, including those for use in catalysis.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGAo0sLMtyQ&feature=youtu.be
Read more about Dr Slattery's research.

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Take a look at our videos featuring academic staff that showcase how our world-leading interdisciplinary research influences our teaching. Our staff continuously push the boundaries of knowledge and their research informs what you learn. We have an outstanding reputation, and our innovative undergraduate courses will give you insight into the world around you, and the skills to thrive.

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It’s time to register your school for the UK Chemistry Olympiad - a challenging but fun activity to do with your sixth form students. The Olympiad provides an opportunity for students to develop their thinking and problem solving skills, and to test their existing knowledge of chemistry in real-world situations.

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Frequently asked questions

I missed the deadline to register my school - will it still be possible to enter?

Unfortunately not. We have to move on to processing entries as soon as the deadline passes, so it's not possible for us to accept late registrations.

Do I need to have the names of my students ready before I register?

No, we won't ask for the complete list until you upload your scores.

Can I register as an individual student?

If you would like to take part in the Chemistry Olympiad, you must let your school or college know so that they can register on your behalf. We can't accept registrations from students directly.

May I register a school from outside the UK?

The competition is free to schools in the British Isles. International schools in China can also enter, and should register through ASDAN China. Accredited British international schools overseas are eligible to enter and for these schools a fee is payable. Please email us if you think you are eligible to enter.

Are younger pupils allowed to enter?

Yes, however please bear in mind that the questions focus on topics typically covered in a student's final year of study. Because of this, Year 12s who are confident in their knowledge could take part, but GCSE students may find the subject matter too advanced.

Is a professional invigilator required?

No - the class teacher or other member of staff can invigilate the exam.

Can you provide the exam paper in accessible formats?

Yes - if significant accessibility changes are needed or if your students require the round one exam materials in braille, please inform us by email by 15 November. Should you require the exam paper in large print, you will be able to enlarge the text in the electronic copy we send you.

Results archive

Explore news articles covering results from the UK and International Chemistry Olympiad competitions.

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Find out more about the leading chemistry competition for secondary school students in the UK, including how to enter, supporting resources and FAQs.

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Encourage your students to complete the free short online courses which are delivered by universities via the FutureLearn platform.

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Free Chemistry Courses - Online Science Courses - FutureLearn

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Learn chemistry online to understand the world around you and build your scientific knowledge with chemistry courses on FutureLearn.

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Graphene - National Graphene Institute, Uni of Manchester

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Graphene - National Graphene Institute, Uni of Manchester

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Graphene is studied in both GCSE and A level Chemistry so the up-to-date information provided on National Graphene Institute’s website will be very helpful when teaching.

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If you've ever drawn with a pencil, you've probably made graphene without even noticing. Now, the world's thinnest material is set to revolutionise almost every part of daily life.

Fascination with this material stems from its remarkable physical properties and the potential applications they offer. Although scientists knew one atom thick, two-dimensional crystal graphene existed, no-one had worked out how to extract it from graphite.

That was until it was isolated in 2004 by two researchers at The University of Manchester: Prof Andre Geim and Prof Kostya Novoselov. This is the story of how that stunning scientific feat came about and why Andre and Kostya won the Nobel Prize in Physics for their pioneering work.

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Learn - Graphene - The University of Manchester

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If you've ever drawn with a pencil, you've probably made graphene without even noticing. Now, the world's thinnest material is set to revolutionise almost every part of daily life. Fascination with this material stems from its remarkable physical properties and the potential applications they offer.

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RSC's collection of videos, simulations and worksheets that can be downloaded are invaluable resources for all chemistry teachers.

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Spectral database for organic compounds (SDBS)

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Spectral database for organic compounds (SDBS)

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Spectral databases like this one, which has been developed by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Japan, are extremely useful for making more practice spectroscopy questions for students with IR, mass spec and nmr spectra included.

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ACS Reactions is a YouTube channel produced by the American Chemical Society.  The channel has many interesting and fun short videos to capture students’ interest.

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Why is Carbon the Key to Life? (On Earth, Anyway)

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The Launch - Secondary Science Conference

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The Launch - Secondary Science Conference

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'Fantastic key note speakers, exam board updates and networking opportunities not to be missed!'

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This summer, please consider joining one of these subject enhancement knowledge chemistry courses - KS3, KS4, GCSE Chem and L3 BTEC Applied Science - all delivered by expert STEM Learning facilitators.

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Having only recently joined the STEM Community (delivered by STEM Learning), I have immediately been very impressed with the conversations, the ideas and the sharing that takes place. You can choose to follow different communities, for example 11-19 Science, Primary, Technicians, Careers, Clubs and Cross-Curricular. You can read and contribute to the current discussions or create your own, for example ‘Reading for Chemistry’.

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STEM Community is a UK-based online community of teachers and technicians. It is an inclusive environment for all to connect, share knowledge and shape STEM education, and a place to grow.

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Andrew Szydlo delivers an engaging TEDx talk where he demonstrates chemistry experiments.

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25 Chemistry Experiments in 15 Minutes | Andrew Szydlo | TEDxNewcastle

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RSC has a collection of 100 chemistry experiments including testing for anions and cations, electrolysis and disappearing ink - full information is included in the downloadable worksheets. As we will be soon reviewing our schemes of work for next year, this link is well worth exploring.

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Best Evidence Science Teaching (BEST) is a large collection of free resources that have been developed from the best available research evidence on common misunderstandings in science. The resources, which include diagnostic questions to reveal common misunderstandings and activities to challenge students’ preconceptions, have been developed by the University of York Science Education Group.

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I know that we have now passed this year’s Earth Day but I’m sure that we can celebrate the Earth on any day - particularly as we are coming into the summer term and looking for interesting activities for our KS3 and younger students. Please have a look at this excellent resource that has been made by the STEM Club Champions for east Cheshire & Greater Manchester.

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TEACHER’S CHEMISTRY EXPERIMENTS BECOME YOUTUBE HIT

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TEACHER’S CHEMISTRY EXPERIMENTS BECOME YOUTUBE HIT

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To assist his students during lockdown, Dr Matt Tate has made a series of videos demonstrating key experiments, like how to complete a titration.
https://edtechnology.co.uk/schools/teachers-chemistry-experiments-become-youtube-hit/

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WHY YOU NEED CHEMISTRY TO STUDY … AT UNIVERSITY

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WHY YOU NEED CHEMISTRY TO STUDY … AT UNIVERSITY

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Education in Chemistry have produced a series of articles outlining how studying Chemistry links to different university courses. As you would expect from RSC, this is a well-presented and engaging series of articles including downloadable worksheets and interviews with researchers - well worth sharing with your students.