Making aspirin is no longer a headache
With the start of the new academic year, we have introduced a range of new features and updates on Learn Chemistry to offer teachers and students at all levels even more support and a wider range of resources.
Experimenting online
Teaching chemistry is as much about practicals and demonstrations as it is about learning the theory. To enable students and teachers to make the most of the time they have in the lab, we are developing a screen experiments programme that allows them to prepare for the practical experience and to revisit a set-up after they have carried out an experiment.
We have just launched the inaugural screen experiment, which offers insight into the synthesis of aspirin. The experiment is arranged over four detailed levels, each building on knowledge and skills developed in the preceding level, and collectively designed to support – not replace – practical science in the lab. The resource is completely free to use, and you can create an anonymised user login to save your data.
Reaching users worldwide
The resources on Learn Chemistry reach users across the world, with nearly three-quarters of them being based outside of the UK. Indian teachers and students make up the second largest group of Learn Chemistry users – behind those from the USA.
Tying in with our ongoing programme of activities in India, this gave us an opportunity to provide additional, tailored support for chemistry education in the country. Recognising this, Learn Chemistry visitors from India are now able to access a collection of resources most relevant to and most frequently accessed by them.
Helping university students
Finally, we have launched a series of three new resources for students in higher education with the aim of supporting students’ use and understanding of academic research. ‘Journal of the month’ and ‘reading journal articles’ introduce undergraduate students to our journals and provide them with skills common to all scientists. In addition, our ‘how to…’ guides provide users with a strong grounding in reading, writing and referencing journal articles.
