Free HSC Chemistry Flame Test Flashcards for Retrieval Practice

Posted on October 5, 2026 by Alice Leung

Looking for a simple, low-prep HSC Chemistry revision activity? These free metal ion flame test flashcards are designed to help students practise recalling common metal ions and their characteristic flame test colours.

Flame tests are a small but important part of HSC Chemistry, and students need to be able to quickly associate a metal ion with its flame colour. Flashcards provide an easy way to build this recall through retrieval practice rather than simply rereading notes.

This set contains 12 flashcards covering metal ions and their flame test colours. Simply download, print and laminate them for a reusable classroom resource.

They can be used in a variety of ways:

Self-testing: Students look at the metal ion and try to recall the flame colour before checking the answer.
Retrieval practice: Use the cards for short, regular revision sessions to strengthen recall.
Concentration/Memory: Place the cards face down and have students match the metal ion with its corresponding flame colour.
Pair work: Students can quiz each other using the cards.
Fast finishers: Keep a set in the classroom for students to use when they have finished their work.
Exam revision: Use them as a quick refresher before an assessment or HSC Chemistry exam.

The cards are designed to be printed and laminated, making them durable enough to use throughout the year. Hole punch them and add them to a keyring!

2-sided metal ion flame test flash cards Download

Creating Chemistry Posters with Gen AI

Posted on May 2, 2026 by Alice Leung

I love posters and infographics. There’ something about explaining a complex concept visually that makes it more fun, interesting and easier to understand. I would identify important concepts that students need to understand in chemistry and want to make a poster for it, but would need to use Canva to create it. Using Canva to turn an idea to a visual product takes time. A LOT of time.

Now I use Gen AI. I’ve been playing with prompts and have generated the following posters. I really like how I can tell Gen AI how I want the concept broken down (I do need to give very specific and explicit instructions on breaking down a concept in the prompt. It’s not as simple as “Make me poster on this concept.”) and it will create something for me in a matter of seconds. No more mucking around with Canva trying to find the right template to work from and finding the appropriate graphics.

So here is a small collection for Year 11 Chemistry Modules 1 and 2. Feel free to download. Print them in A3 or larger for your classroom and give them to your students as infographics for their study notes.

Let me know what you think. All feedback is welcome. On some posters, I had to tell the AI to make corrections. Some posters I’ve abandoned because the AI just kept making errors.

EAL/D Support for HSC Chemistry Students

Posted on April 19, 2026 by Alice Leung

One key skill HSC Chemistry students need to have if they are aiming for a Band 5/6 is the ability to consistently use precise terminology when communicating their understanding. For students learning English as an additional language/dialect (EAL/D), this can be an additional challenge. This year I have a higher proportion of EAL/D students in my chemistry class than previous years so I am dedicating more time to explicitly teach precise terminology in each module. My school’s EAL/D specialist teacher and I developed precise terminology booklets for Module 1 and Module 2. The booklets are inspired by the Frayer Model and has a space for additional information which EAL/D students can translate into their first language if they wish. We will be dedicating team teaching lessons to explicit teach the application of precise terminology. So to share and care, below are the downloadable and editable booklets. Modules 3 and 4 will be coming soon.

terminology booklet mod 1 Download

terminology booklet mod 2 Download