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Advanced Atomic Structure, Bonding and Calculations

What does it actually mean when chemists say there’s a mole of something? How can we work out the formula of a compound from nothing but experimental data? And how on Earth can scientists know how many atoms are in a sample when atoms are far too small to count?

In this 6-week Separate Chemistry block, we’ll take some of the fundamental ideas from IGCSE Chemistry and push them further. Students will dig deeper into atomic structure, ions, isotopes and bonding before tackling the numbers behind Chemistry – from empirical and molecular formulae to moles, concentrations and Avogadro’s constant.

We’ll use models, practical examples and plenty of problem-solving to turn some of IGCSE Chemistry’s most abstract (and sometimes intimidating!) ideas into something students can actually visualise and understand. Expect investigations, calculations, Kahoot quizzes, exam-style questions and lots of opportunities to practise the skills that become increasingly important as Chemistry gets more challenging.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this block, students should be able to:

• Determine the electronic configurations of atoms and ions and relate these to their position in the Periodic Table.
• Explain why isotopes of the same element have the same chemical properties.
• Calculate relative atomic mass from the relative masses and abundances of isotopes.
• Describe and explain the structure and properties of ionic, simple molecular, giant covalent and metallic substances.
• Describe the giant covalent structure of silicon(IV) oxide and relate its structure to its properties.
• Define and determine the empirical formula of a compound.
• Deduce the formulae of ionic compounds using the charges of their ions.
• Construct balanced symbol equations, including equations with state symbols and ionic equations.
• Understand the mole as the unit for amount of substance and use the Avogadro constant.
• Calculate amounts of substances using mass, molar mass and moles.
• Use molar gas volume at room temperature and pressure in calculations.
• Calculate reacting masses, gas volumes and solution concentrations.
• Convert between concentrations expressed in g/dm³ and mol/dm³.
• Use chemical equations and experimental data to solve quantitative chemistry problems.

Specialist Resources Needed:

A detailed equipment list will be provided before the block begins, with alternatives where appropriate. Most activities will use inexpensive household items and simple craft materials to model atoms, isotopes, bonding and chemical calculations. LEGO or similar building bricks are always handy for modelling particles and formulae, and a small whiteboard, pen and calculator will be particularly useful for practising equations and calculations. Some demonstrations may use chemicals or specialist equipment, but these will always be demonstrated live. Learners will also need access to the course worksheets on the dashboard. Please don't worry if you don't have specific items – students can still fully participate by watching demonstrations and completing the activities.

If you definitely do not require your live space for this course, please opt to cancel your registration through the link in your Zoom confirmation email.
You can also use the cancellation link to
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for the live lessons of this class.
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If you have more than one child accessing the live class, please complete this form to request multiple registrations:
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