advanced higher chemistry assignment ideas

Teachers and Careers Advisers Strathclyde Advanced Higher Chemistry Practicals

Strathclyde’s Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry hosts the  West of Scotland Meeting for Teachers of Chemistry  in January each year. The aim of this conference is to update teachers on recent developments in the subject. The program has a heavy component of hands-on laboratory sessions, mostly aimed at providing Advanced Higher project ideas.

We currently have over 44 Advanced Higher projects available for free.

Please Note: To access the projects, you need to register and in doing so you agree that we may contact you a few times a year, only to let you know when the next conference will be available for booking and other related CPD events. You also agree that these materials are for local educational use in schools and are not to be redistributed.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS PROJECTS .

These projects serve as a starting point for your own development, and they may not necessarily cover material included in the current version of the curriculum. Some may also be more suitable for other teaching levels. They have also been risk-assessed using internal procedures, so please check that these fit with your own department’s procedures.

Additional support:   We can also help with analysis (e.g. FTIR, UV-Vis, NMR etc) of project samples.  Also, we are open to requests to loan out items such as glassware to schools which are resource-limited. 

Please just get in touch with any queries and we will do out best to help where we can!    

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Succeed with SQA assignments

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Top tips guaranteed to ensure a smooth reintroduction of coursework and boost student grades

Source: © Macrovector/Shutterstock

Keep it simple! Pick an experiment with multiple variables to give learners the widest choice and avoid duplicate assignments

With the reintroduction of assignments and projects into senior phase chemistry in Scotland, many practitioners are in a panic – be they newly or recently qualified teachers or very experienced, their concern is palpable. However, help is at hand. In this article, I lean on my experience of 16 years in the classroom, as well as many years of marking assignments at National 5 and Higher for SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority), to hopefully calm your nerves.

I have always looked at assignments as a way to level the playing field a bit, taking some of the all-or-nothing nature of the final exam out of the equation. Many young people who struggle with exams find the assignment a great way of increasing their final grade. These five simple tips can help you to support your learners in this endeavour.

1. Does it meet the criteria?

The first point of call for any planning should be the assessment support documents produced by SQA. Use these to check what is required at each level, as there are significant differences between National 5 and Higher. You need to ensure that suggested assignments give learners the opportunity to access all marks. For example, at Higher the experiments need to produce data that can be used to perform a chemical calculation, such as an enthalpy of combustion, while at National 5 learners only need to perform an average calculation.

2. Keep it simple

I can’t stress this one enough. When assignments were first introduced, many centres made life far too difficult for themselves. Just keep it simple.

Best-case scenario? Pick something that has many possible variables to allow the widest choice for the young people. It is important they do not all do the exact same assignment; giving them many options limits the chances of this happening. Simple experiments, like reacting metal carbonates with acids, allow a massive number of possible variables, while being relatively easy (and cheap) to generate data from.

3. Check and check again

Chemistry doesn’t always play ball. We can probably all quote examples of chemistry playing ball from our school and university days. Even something as set in stone as the electrochemical series can misbehave, especially under assignment conditions. Before doing the National 5 assignments, I always check that the metals being used in the electrochemical cell experiment produce the expected results but, in many cases, they don’t. Be it corrosion on metals, duff wires or overly sensitive multimeters – there is always something that gives dodgy results. My advice? Check, check and check again, and remove rogue variables that will mess up the data.

4. Time, and how to manage it

You have eight hours in which to complete a National 5 assignment, 90 minutes of which is for the write-up. This leaves 6.5 hours for background research and experimental work. In theory, this is plenty of time. In reality, it can sometimes be tough. I always plan on getting the experimental work done over two periods, leaving lots of time for research. There are myriad reasons why pupils are absent, from music lessons to dental appointments. My approach gives them time to catch up. Be organised as a department team, work closely with your technicians and it should be smooth sailing.

5. You are not on your own

There is a lot of support out there. Take advantage of all the opportunities to learn more directly from SQA with its  Understanding standards  website and events. Attend any of the magnificent courses run by SSERC on assignments , either in person or online. SSERC’s assignment ideas have all been tested to ensure they produce data. Be prepared to use other people for support, whether that’s in your own school, local authority or further afield (through things like the Strontium email group). People are usually happy to help.

The bottom line is that assignments are back so assign yourself some time to try out the tips above and see how they can make a positive difference to your students.

There is a lot of support out there. Take advantage of all the opportunities to learn more directly from SQA with its Understanding standards website (bit.ly/3G0VlYZ) and events. Attend any of the magnificent courses run by SSERC on assignments (bit.ly/3R25Ly5), either in person or online. SSERC’s assignment ideas have all been tested to ensure they produce data. Be prepared to use other people for support, whether that’s in your own school, local authority or further afield (through things like the Strontium email group). People are usually happy to help.

John Cochrane

• Curriculum evaluation and design
• Curriculum specifications
• Secondary education

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Science at Kirkcaldy High School

Advanced Higher Chemistry

Back to School

SQA Materials

Higher and Advanced Higher Chemistry Data Booklet

Advanced Higher Chemistry Course Content

Advanced Higher Chemistry Past Papers and Marking Instructions

Notes Booklets

Advanced Higher Chemistry Unit 1 – Inorganic Chemistry Notes

Advanced Higher Chemistry Unit 2 – Physical Chemistry Notes

Advanced Higher Chemistry Unit 3 – Organic Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis Notes

Advanced Higher Chemistry Unit 4 – Researching Chemistry Notes

Question Booklets

Advanced Higher Chemistry Unit 1 – Inorganic Chemistry Questions

Advanced Higher Chemistry Unit 2 – Physical Chemistry Questions

Advanced Higher Chemistry Unit 3 – Organic Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis Questions

Advanced Higher Chemistry Unit 4 – Researching Chemistry Questions

Answer Booklets

Advanced Higher Chemistry Unit 1 – Inorganic Chemistry Answers

Advanced Higher Chemistry Unit 2 – Physical Chemistry Answers

Advanced Higher Chemistry Unit 3 – Organic Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis Answers

Advanced Higher Chemistry Unit 4 – Researching Chemistry Answers

Experiment Instructions

Advanced Higher Chemistry Unit 4 – Researching Chemistry Experiment Instructions

Past Paper Question Booklets

Advanced Higher Chemistry Past Paper Booklet 1

Advanced Higher Chemistry Past Paper Booklet 2

Past Paper Model Answer Booklets

Advanced Higher Chemistry Past Paper Answer Booklet 1

Advanced Higher Chemistry Past Paper Answer Booklet 2

Past Paper Topic Breakdown

Advanced Higher Chemistry Past Paper Topic Breakdown

Miss Adams Chemistry (NB: “old” unit numbering in playlist!)

Advanced Higher Chemisty Unit 1 – Inorganic Chemistry

Advanced Higher Chemisty Unit 2 – Physical Chemistry

Advanced Higher Chemisty Unit 3 – Organic Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis

Advanced Higher Chemisty Unit 4 – Researching Chemistry

Martin McCartney (NB: “old” unit numbering in playlist!)

Scholar (Glow Login Required)

Advanced Higher Chemistry on Scholar

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Chemistry for advanced higher NS513 / A21

In laboratory sessions participants will have hands-on experience of innovative practical work to support learning outcomes in the Advanced Higher Chemistry course. There will be opportunities to explore ideas and techniques suitable to investigative project work at Advanced Higher level. Via the Gap Task there will be further opportunities for participants to share project ideas.

To apply for this course please contact SSERC directly ( [email protected] ) who will forward you the necessary information. Shortly after the published closing date for applications the Administration Team at SSERC will send to successful applicants:

• confirmation of an offer of a place on the course together with details on enrolment procedures
• information on ENTHUSE bursary and how to apply for such a bursary
• a set of terms and conditions which you must meet in order to qualify for an ENTHUSE bursary

If you are a supply teacher you may still qualify for an ENTHUSE bursary; please contact SSERC to establish your eligibility

Who is it for?

Teachers of advanced higher chemistry - particularly those less experienced at teaching this level

What topics are covered?

Experiments to support teaching to the required practical skills. Advice on projects.

How will you learn?

Face to face

How long is this course?

2 days, total 12.5 Hours

Course Leaders

Chris Lloyd

Who is the course leader?

Participants will be able to–

• explore ways of enhancing the understanding of concepts relevant to Advanced Higher Chemistry using hands-on approaches
• more confidently teach innovative practical work that supports the learning outcomes of Advanced Higher Chemistry
• describe developments in contemporary chemistry relevant to the Senior Phase Curriculum
• explore ideas for supporting investigative work Advanced Higher Chemistry projects
• receive a variety of resources to support learning in their school

Share with your CPD booker

• Add to favourites list

Participants from outside the UK will be charged the course fee and an additional £120 per day plus VAT.

Outside the UK? Fee information

Check your school subsidy status

The subsidy value may be higher for your school or college.

Additional information

For courses at the National STEM Learning Centre in York, fees include meals and accommodation for the duration of the course. 

Interested in this course?

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•  >  Subjects
•  >  Chemistry
•  >  Higher
•  > Assignment

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Select a subject Accounting Administration and IT Applications of Mathematics Apprenticeships Art and Design Baccalaureates Biology Business Management Care Chemistry Childcare & Development Classical Studies Computing Science Core Skills Dance Design and Manufacture Drama Economics Engineering Science English Environmental Science ESOL Fashion and Textiles French Gaelic Gaidhlig Geography German Graphic Communication Health and Food Technology History HN Human Biology Italian Latin Mandarin Mathematics Mathematics of Mechanics Media Modern Studies Music Music Technology National 1 & 2 Philosophy Photography Physical Education Physics Politics Practical Cake Craft Practical Cookery Practical Electronics Practical Metalworking Practical Woodworking Psychology RMPS Science NPA's Scots Language Skills for Work Sociology Spanish Statistics SVQ Urdu

• Question paper
• Advanced Higher
• Presentations
• Course Reports
• Additional resources for sessions 2020-22

Higher Chemistry - assignment

Assignment 2023 (all links open to pdf files), full project: vitamin c concentration in orange juice.

• Full Project Candidate Evidence
• Full Project Commentary

Sections: Summary, analysis, and evaluation sections

• Sections Candidate Evidence
• Sections Commentary

Advanced Higher Chemistry

Alternative certification model.

The alternative certification model is how National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses will be resulted this year, following the cancellation of the 2021 exams. It involves five different stages.

View the alternative certification model and see what will happen at each stage.

Essential Information

Course specification.

Explains the structure of the Course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.

• Advanced Higher Chemistry Course Specification   April 2021

Past Papers and Marking Instructions

Access all past papers by subject/level

Additional question papers resources

Illustrates the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers candidates will sit (includes marking instructions).

• Advanced Higher Chemistry Specimen Question Paper October 2019

There were no exams in 2021. The 2020-21 question paper resources are, for most subjects, modified papers which reflect the modifications put in place for session 2020-21.

• Advanced Higher Chemistry questions section 1 (541 KB)
• Advanced Higher Chemistry questions section 2 (865 KB)
• Advanced Higher Chemistry marking instructions (449 KB)

This section provides information on marking instructions and/or the coursework assessment task(s). It includes information that centres need to administer coursework and must be read in conjunction with the course specification.

• Coursework Assessment Task for Advanced Higher Chemistry June 2020
• Guidance on conditions of assessment
• Coursework for External Assessment

Understanding Standards ( 14/02/2024 )

• Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries

Audio Presentation

• Advanced Higher Chemistry Project (14 minutes)  (24.30 MB)
• Chemistry Units: assessment and external verification (SCQF level 3 - SCQF level 7) (36.85 MB)

Course assessment overview

Webinar (recording): video overview of course assessment from session 2019-20.

• Download webinar (59.75 MB)
• Webinar: Q and A (51 KB)

Changes to understanding Standards materials

• Changes to published Understanding Standards materials for all subjects

Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.

Additional resources session 2020-22

Please note: Additional resources published during sessions 2020-2022 are currently under review. Further information can be found on the Understanding Standards Website.

Course reports ( 14/09/23 )

Course reports.

• 2023 Advanced Higher Chemistry Course Report September 2023
• 2022 Advanced Higher Chemistry Course Report September 2022
• 2019 Advanced Higher Chemistry Course Report September 2019

Data booklet

• Chemistry Higher and Advanced Higher Data Booklet

Ushare open learning resources

Where can you take this course?

Centre Finder

Helper-buttons.

Investigation ideas

Here are some activities that might form part of an Advanced Higher investigation

Radioactivity experiments

Video analysis of Brownian Motion

Investigating Induction

Quantitative Doppler Effect experiments

g using a stream of water

At SSERC, the Physics Team likes to help out with investigations. We don’t offer “off  the shelf” investigations, but can work with you to develop ideas. We lend certain pieces of apparatus (subject to certain conditions) and allow small numbers of students, accompanied by their teacher, to come to SSERC to use equipment that we keep here. The students have to know what they want to do before they come, though! We’ll be available, if needed, to help set up and operate the kit. Get in touch to see how we can help.

[email protected]

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