Welcome to Practical Chemistry

This website is for teachers of chemistry in schools and colleges. It is a collection of experiments that demonstrate a wide range of chemical concepts and processes.

Some of the experiments can be used as starting-points for investigations or for enhancement activities. Many have links to carefully selected further reading and all include information and guidance for technicians. 

We hope you will share your experiences of making experiments work in the classroom by submitting your ideas about a particular experiment or contributing an idea for a new experiment to add to the site. 

Why use practical work in chemistry?

Chemistry is a practical science. Practical activities are not just motivational and fun: they also enable students to apply and extend their knowledge and understanding of chemistry in novel investigative situations, which can aid learning and memory and stimulate interest.

Good quality, appropriate chemistry experiments and investigations are the key to enhanced learning, and clarification and consolidation of theory.