TECHNICAL SKILLS FOR CHEMISTRY PRACTICAL

We know that chemistry is an experiment subject. Theory does not make sense in the abstract but it does when it is seen as an attempt to explain observation in the laboratory and in the natural world. The skills of laboratory chemistry are great practical importance too. Chemistry is about making useful new chemicals (synthesis) and finding out what materials are made of (analysis).

Chemistry practical is all about the planning work. At first planning may seems very difficult it can be heard to know what is possible when you have limited experience of chemistry. You need to bear in mind that your teachers and the examiners know from the course specification what you have done at each stage of your work and what it is reasonable for you to suggest in plans. The crucial point is that when planning any practical activity you should expect to use techniques, chemicals, and equipment that you have used before.

When asked to make plan you will often given some information about the experiment situation to give you a start.you will be expected to apply what you have learned in the theory part of the course. You may also be expected to draw  on other sources of information including textbooks, references and websites. The emphasis is on making use of the knowledge and experience gained during your course so far.

WORKING ON YOUR OWN.

 You will practise planning with the help of your teacher but when it comes to assessment you must work independently to get top marks. Working independently does not mean working isolation so you should expect to consult sources of reference.

Remember that it can be your interest to ask for help from your teacher you are really stuck. If the help gets you started in the right direction, then you can gain credit for all the others aspects of planning.Overall, this may allow you to gain more marks. Getting the marks for independent working will often fail to compensate for coming up with a bad plan.

SHOWING THAT YOU HAVE RESEARCHED AND UNDERSTOOD THE SITUATION

you must make sure that you understand the chemical theory related to the experiment you are going to carry out. 

DESCRIBING THE PROCEDURE IN DETAIL

Aim to write plan for an experiment in a way that could be followed by someone else with similar to yourself. Model your written plan on the style of instruction and guidance in practical books or on worksheets from your teacher.

ATTENDING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY

You must carry out a risk assessment and show that you have consulted the relevant guidance on health and safety.Never make a plan based on apparatus of a kind that have never used before.