Cohesive Chemistry

IB Chemistry and Theory of Knowledge teacher Ollie Canning talks to some of the big names in the IB Chemistry world to gain insight into their expertise and experience in and around the classroom.

Last refreshed: July 15th, 2025 at 4:40 AM ⓘ

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Episodes

Episode 4: Scott Milam on conceptual models, chemical history and giant screaming jelly babies

In this episode, Ollie talks to Scott Milam. Scott is an award-winning chemistry teacher in the US, having experience as both an IB Examiner and IA moderator. Learn more from Scott through his YouTube (@APphyzicks), X (@IBchemmilam) or his outstanding book (Teaching Introductory Chemistry). We discuss: 0:00 Intro 1:22 Scott's book - Teaching Introductory Chemistry 4:55 How can cognitive science help teachers? 13:33 Integrating chemical history into lessons 22:39 Developing students' conceptual m...

Aug 13, 2024•1 hr 14 min

Episode 3: Richard Thornley on slow starts, building a YouTube empire, and the 'green roof' incident

In this episode, Ollie talks to Richard Thornley. Richard has taught IB Chemistry for 25 years across 11 countries. With over 70k subscribers and 20 million views on YouTube , his name has become synonymous with IB Chemistry. Richard talks us through: 0:00 Intro and the importance of learning from others 7:28 Failures in the classroom 12:03 Building a YouTube empire 26:10 Tips for the Internal Assessment and Extended Essay 35:34 Preparing students for exams 42:24 Giving back 44:42 Tips for new t...

May 14, 2024•57 min

Episode 2: Elisa Jimenez Grant on exam pitfalls, changes to the IA and the 'burning bin' incident

In this episode, Ollie talks to Elisa Jimenez Grant. Elisa has worked in all aspects of the IB Chemistry ecosystem including roles as a Senior Examiner, IA Moderation Team leader and Co-Author of the most recent edition of the Oxford University Press textbook. In the episode, Elisa talks us through: 0:00 Her journey to becoming a teacher 4:19 Learning in the early years of teaching 12:53 Experience as a Senior Examiner 27:02 Experience as an IA Moderator 51:00 Approaches to structuring the IA 56...

Apr 25, 2024•1 hr 12 min

Episode 1: James Midgley on the IA, responding to COVID, and the 'bird in the flue' incident

This week, Ollie talks to James Midgley aka Mr M 4 Chem . James is currently the Head of Student Well-being at the Australian International School in Singapore and has taught IB Chemistry for 15 years. He has become an internal assessment guru through his YouTube videos breaking down all aspects of the IA process. In the episode, James talks us through: His journey from pharmaceutical lab manager to chemistry teacher. Becoming an IA moderator. Why the IA is important. How his teaching has change...

Feb 27, 2024•56 min

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