Chemical Literacy

Charles West: Research geochemisty

https://eic.rsc.org/the-mole/charles-west-research-geochemist/3007307.article

Read the article through twice, then answer the questions – in full sentences.

1. What decision did Charles and his parents make that helped him when he decide to not be a
professional footballer anymore?

2. What was his reason for choosing Chemistry over Biology at A Level?

3. What was his motivation to study hard when at university?

4. Describe the kind of work he did when studying at university.

5. How did he end up working in Saudi Arabi?

6. Reflect on what lessons you can learn from his tale. Do you recognise yourself / your friends
in the young Charles? What decisions might you need to make in your future about your
passions (e.g. football/dance/singing) and your education.

Write about 150 words on this.

D Paterson, 2018, Aldenham School

Chemical Literacy

High hopes for hydrogels

https://eic.rsc.org/feature/high-hopes-for-hydrogels/3007331.article

Read the article through twice, then answer the questions – in full sentences.

1. Define ‘hydrogel’ and state three examples.

2. Explain how nappies can hold large volumes of water.

3. Describe the benefit of hydrogel-based contact lenses.

4. Explain why hydrogels are particularly helpful in medicine.

5. Describe and explain the advantage hydrogels have in replacing vertebrae?

6. Using your new knowledge of hydrogels, design a new product making use of hydrogel
properties. Include a simple diagram of your product, and 3-5 sentences describing the
properties and uses of the product.

D Paterson, 2018, Aldenham School

Chemical Literacy

Comic Chemistry
https://eic.rsc.org/feature/comic-chemistry-/3007332.article

Read the article through twice, then answer the questions – in full sentences.

1. Give two examples of how ‘science’ is used to explain the superpowers of comic characters.

2. Draw a timeline showing how Spiderman’s origin story has change over the years.

3. How were chemical involved in the origin story of The Joker.

4. Describe how comics are different from movies in how people read and understand the tale.

5. Describe two ways in which comics have been used to communicate science to wide
audiences.

6. Draw your own comic strip to communicate a scientific idea/experiment (from anything you
have learnt this year).

D Paterson, 2018, Aldenham School

Chemical Literacy

Adventurous science
https://eic.rsc.org/the-mole/adventurous-science/3007360.article

Read the article through twice, then answer the questions – in full sentences.

1. Describe the tests on water carried out by the explorers.

2. How were natural soaps different from non-organic soaps?

3. Explain how soot can cause snow to melt more quickly.

4. Explain how gas chromatography can be used to analyse air samples.

5. Describe how multiple science groups worked together on a rivers project.

6. Write a short letter of application (150-250 words) to the British Exploring project,
explaining why you’d like to join one of their expeditions.

D Paterson, 2018, Aldenham School

Chemical Literacy

100 years of superconductivity

https://eic.rsc.org/endpoint/100-years-of-superconductivity/3007335.article

Read the article through twice, then answer the questions – in full sentences.

1. Define superconductivity.

2. Draw a time line of the main discoveries in superconductivity, giving dates, who was
involved, and what was discovered.

3. Describe the type of chemical materials involved in modern superconductors.

4. Explain how superconductors are used in hospitals.

5. Explain how superconductors are used in transport.

6. Design a new product / use for superconductivity. Draw a labelled diagram and write 4-6
sentences of explanation.

D Paterson, 2018, Aldenham School