| | Nothing like getting the giggles as soon as a webinar starts! Learning Physical Science can be an intimidating and scary thing. Teachers see this fear and have to help learners to deal with it. Some times we make our worksheets look more friendly by laying them out nicely or put great diagrams on them. Other times we use analogies and break down explanations into simpler language. |
Sometimes work is as difficult as it is and we can't change that. Some of us then choose to teach methods on how to do calculations, that way learners will still be able to get some marks, even if they don't understand what they're doing. Phil recommends that we don't teach methods and tricks until much later.
We spent a lot of time talking about word salads and half stories. It sounds like a friendly conversation, doesn't it? Through these friendly conversations, he spoke about ions, ionisation, valency, oxidation numbers and half reactions. He showed how to use colours and how to introduce and consolidate terminology. The greatest revelation for me was when he spoke about the reducing of the value of the oxidation number.
Let's take a look at the information that was Phil's slides.
Let's take a look at the information that was Phil's slides.
3 Pressure Points
- Students are sloppy and careless with charges.
- Students do not learn or understand valency and oxidation number rules.
- Teachers rely too much on methods, rather than understanding.
5 Point Teaching Strategy
- Revise the Grade 10 ions and ionisation and valency of ions.
- Introduce process of reduction and oxidation with iron & oxygen (rust).
- Use ion-electron method to make half-reactions for making various salts - adding half-reactions.
- Introduce rules for assigning oxidation numbers.
- Break net-reactions into half-reactions.
Good Ideas
- Use as many real life examples as possible: explain rust, batteries and biology in terms of redox.
- Revisit stock notation once oxidation numbers are explained.
- Frequently practice good habits and skills i.e: assigning oxidation numbers.
- Be firm and constantly correct mistakes in language regarding elements and ions.
It's become a standing joke. When Phil brings out an experiment, I back away from the table. He seems to enjoy my reaction. Good times!
Remember that if you want more content on Redox Reactions, go to the Mindset Learn website.
Until next time, happy teaching!
Remember that if you want more content on Redox Reactions, go to the Mindset Learn website.
Until next time, happy teaching!