Nanochemistry: Buckminsterfullerene
Buckminsterfullerene is an allotrope of Carbon with a Formula of C60. It was discovered in 1985 by scientist at the Universities of Sussex and Rice. It was discovered by Harold Kroto, James R. Heath, Sean O’Brian, Robin Curl and Richard Smalley. The group named it after Richard Buckminster-Fuller because the shape is that of a Geodesic Dome and he was a noted architect who favoured this shape and the scientists thought it suitable. The dome is one comprised of hexagons and Pentagons [see below] and many examples can be seen in botanical gardens (e.g Missouri and Montreal).
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Peer Reviews
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Quality of writing
One major problem with this work is the punctuation and grammar. The spelling is fine. The inconsistency with making letters upper or lower case along with errors such as the lack of closing a bracket after opening one should not be occurring at GCSE level. This makes it evident that the student did not check through their work, which consequently cost them some marks. The technical terms used in the work was used appropriately, however, higher marks could have been gained if they defined each of those terms as they went along (such as defining what an allotrope is). This would further demonstrate the understanding of the question by the student and gives the examiner no room for doubts.
Level of analysis
Analysis was not necessarily key to this piece of work. It is more about showing understanding of the structure and its discovery and uses. Their response is well structured and laid out. The fluency of the work is excellent as well. This all contributes to higher marks. I would suggest further developing the usage of the buckminsterfullerene and explaining the advantages and disadvantages with relation to the chemical structure to ensure that the highest marks are gained. Going that extra step usually helps the examiner identify the top level students.
Response to question
It is hard to review an essay which does not have the original task attached to it in the title. However, with regards to answering the question in relation to describing the buckminsterfullerene, then the student has answered well. Their response is clearly laid out, making it easier to follow and understand. The use of the diagram is good, however it lacks an appropriate title and the source that it was taken from. This is definitely a major flaw in the work. The presence of a bibliography is commendable, as the student acknowledges all the sources they have looked at to help them complete their work.
