Microscale (or small-scale) chemistry refers to practical activities that use much smaller amounts of reagents, and often with simpler equipment.
The microscale approach removes barriers that get in the way of carrying out practical work in schools, such as expense, risk and logistics. Teachers also need to find the time to teach theory alongside practical skills. Using microscale chemistry reduces cost and waste, which makes practical work more sustainable and less environmentally damaging. It’s important to spend time with your school’s science technicians exploring how the equipment will work, and time with other teachers trialling new activities before using them with classes.
More Information
- Bob Worley and David Paterson’s book, Understanding chemistry through microscale practical work, is a useful introduction to microscale for teachers and technicians.
- The RSC has a range of classroom resources for teachers.
- CLEAPSS provides teacher training and has a large range of microscale experiments. It also has a selection of demonstration videos.
- “The fast Guide to Microscale practical work” (Education in Chemistry- (By Maria Burke 25 March 2022)