Experimental chemistry for 'O' level students

Abstract

This study investigates whether specific chemistry experiments are being conducted as teacher demonstration, pupil practical work or not being performed at all in the local state secondary school laboratories. It also proposes alternative experiments to those which are currently being omitted. The importance of hands-on experience in the learning of chemistry is argued for, both on philosophical grounds and by reference to foreign practice. Questionnaires were distributed to all fifteen chemistry teachers in Malta and Gozo. These dealt with the availability of apparatus and chemicals, as well as with the verification of whether twenty-five specific experiments, chosen from the text-books and syllabus, were actually being conducted. Reasons were solicited from the teachers whenever an experiment was left out. The results showed that sixteen experiments were omitted by half or more of the teachers concerned for a variety of reasons, including lack of apparatus, lack of time to prepare and conduct experiments, etc. Hence alternative experiments, modified according to the needs of the schools, were tested for reliability and safety. These experiments are being proposed to replace those currently omitted in the schools.