HOW SCIENCE WORKS Methods of Analysis and Detection Simon Coates – Bristol Grammar School

How Science Works New program of study for science implemented in September 2006 Pupils learn about the way science and scientists work within society Greater emphasis on the processes and implications of science and scientific enquiry

The Brief Design lesson material for the new GCSE specification, with particular emphasis on How Science Works.

Problem Topics Alternative fuels Smart Materials and Nanomaterials Catalysis in industry Water Hardness and Quality Instrumental Analysis New additions to the AQA specification to be considered:

Specification To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of instrumental methods and the features that influence that development...the rapid progress in technologies such as electronic and computing To interpret and evaluate the results of instrumental analyses carried out to identify elements and compounds for forensic, health and environmental purposes Some instrumental methods are suited to identifying elements...others are suited to identifying compounds AQA GCSE Chemistry Specification

Requirements A method of analysing elements A method of analysing compounds List the advantages and disadvantages of each method Give examples of where these methods are used to solve particular problems.

The Lesson Plan

The Tasks 1.Theory and Discussion – powerpoint 2.Analysing compounds – preparing, running and analysing an infrared spectrum of Aspirin 3.Analysing elements – the emission spectrum of a sodium lamp 4.How Science Works – IR spectroscopy and drugs testing

The Theory Analysing elements Analysing compounds Atomic Emission Spectroscopy Infrared Spectroscopy Development Advantages Disadvantages Applications

Analysing Elements

Analysing Compounds

Emission Spectroscopy Emission spectrum of a sodium lamp Analytical questions based on: - steel manufacture - detecting elements in stars Activity cancelled due to - lack of time - poor quality spectroscopes - better success with IR activities

Aspirin Pupils to prepare a sample of Aspirin, and run an IR spectrum of their sample Pupils then interpret their spectra Very time consuming Instead, class demonstration and discussion of use of the IR machine

Aspirin Pupils asked to interpret the IR spectrum of Aspirin based on simple functional groups

Drugs Testing Application of Infrared Spectroscopy, links to How Science Works Discussion of Drugs testing, based on the upcoming Olympic games Applications, limitations and issues of drugs testing in sport Analysis of IR spectra of blood samples

Drugs Testing

Further Work Modifications of this lesson to cater for different abilities Ensure lesson material is suitable across all examination bodies Extra practical uses of the infrared machine

Acknowledgements Mr Tim Harrison Dr David Smith Mr Steve Croker Staff, technicians and pupils at BGS Dr Jon Stone – school supervisor Fellow UAS students