SECTION 1: FILMS & TV
Lessons in Chemistry (Apple TV+)
Task: How does the show portray the challenges faced by chemists in the 1950s, and which scientific ideas shown are still relevant today? https://tv.apple.com/us/show/lessons-in-chemistry
Task: What scientific discoveries made by Marie Curie continue to influence modern chemistry and medicine?
Task: Which chemical principles does Mark Watney rely on for survival, and how scientifically accurate are they?
Task: How does the film illustrate the relationship between scientific creativity and problem‑solving?
Task: What chemical and physical principles underpin nuclear fission, and how were they applied during the Manhattan Project?
SECTION 2: DOCUMENTARIES & EDUCATIONAL SERIES
Chemistry: A Volatile History (BBC)
Task: How did the development of the periodic table reflect changing scientific understanding over time?
The Secret Life of Chaos (BBC)
Task: What does the documentary reveal about the role of chemistry in complex systems and patterns in nature?
Why Chemical Reactions Happen – James Keeler & Peter Wothers
Task: How does the book explain the connection between energy, entropy and the direction of chemical reactions?
The Billion‑Dollar Molecule – Barry Werth
Task: What challenges do chemists face when turning a promising molecule into a real medicine?
Periodic Tales – Hugh Aldersey‑Williams
Task: How have different elements shaped human culture, technology and history?
Obsessive Genius – Barbara Goldsmith
Task: What personal qualities and scientific approaches helped Marie Curie make ground-breaking discoveries?
Organic Chemistry – Clayden, Greeves & Warren
Task: How do reaction mechanisms help chemists predict and explain the behaviour of organic molecules?
Introducing Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry (Chemistry³) – Burrows et al.
Task: Which area of chemistry do you find most engaging, and how does the book help you understand its core ideas?
Task: Which exhibit best demonstrates the impact of chemistry on everyday life, and why?
Task: What hands‑on activity or display helped you understand a chemical concept more clearly?
Task: How have RI scientists contributed to major chemical discoveries, and which one interests you most?
Task: Which topic did you find hardest in class, and how does Chemguide help clarify it?
Task: What exam‑style question from the site challenged you, and what did you learn from attempting it?
Task: How do the revision notes or past papers help you identify gaps in your understanding?
Task: Which problem set improved your confidence the most, and what strategy helped you solve it?
Task: What skills do the challenge questions test that go beyond the A‑level specification?
Task: Which worked example helped you understand a difficult calculation or concept?
Task: How does the RSC show the real‑world impact of chemistry on society and industry?
Task: Which topic did you revise on Seneca, and how did the interactive format help reinforce your understanding?
Infinite Monkey Cage (Podcast)
Task: What scientific idea discussed in the episode surprised you, and how does it relate to chemistry?