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Resource Feature | Test Issue for Overlines & Advice Column Part 2: Teaching Earth Chemistry
In this second in a series of articles, the author focuses on using a phenomenon-based approach to investigate how density effects the chemical compositions of the two types of crust on the surface of the earth. He also demonstrates how the entire earth is arranged by density from the core to the top of the atmosphere — expanding the potential applications of density concepts beyond the lab.
Classroom Commentary | March 2020 It’s Elementary: We all Teach Chemistry!
In this article, the author affirms that elementary science teachers are chemistry teachers. She offers examples for connecting chemistry to space science, specifically using NASA resources, as well as examples for identifying other chemistry content connections in a science curriculum.
Resource Feature | March 2020 Part 1: Teaching Earth Chemistry
In this article, the author shares some introductory information as well reasons for teachers to integrate the chemistry of the earth in their chemistry curriculum. This article is the first in a series of articles on earth chemistry, and discusses building the content, making connections with existing chemistry content, and seeing examples of the relevance of the subject.
Resource Feature | May 2020 Modeling Polarity
In this article, the authors share about two kinesthetic-based activities used to successfully help students develop an understanding of polarity. The first activity focuses on conceptualizing the polarity of a bond, and the second activity allows them to apply that knowledge to determine the polarity of a molecule.
Resource Feature | November 2018 Taking Inspiration from the AP Chemistry Reading
In this article, the author describes how her experience at the AP Chemistry Reading inspires lesson ideas to help address common misconceptions. In her engaging classroom activity, students model equilibrium reactions using chips to represent atoms in an effort to connect the symbolic model of an equilibrium reaction to its particle model.
Classroom Commentary | May 2018 The AP Chem Exam is Over - Now What?
This article discusses a short course in computational chemistry, designed for AP Chemistry teachers and students, primarily to be used for chemistry enrichment following the completion of the AP Chemistry exam.
Nuts & Bolts | May 2018 Strategies for Teaching SPED and EL Students in the Chemistry Classroom
The article explores several different strategies for teaching EL and SPED students in the high school chemistry classroom.
Resource Feature | November 2017 A Particulate Representation of Molarity
In addition to using a simple activity about investigating the differences Kool-Aid concentration and completing molarity calculations, students work with pictures at the particle level to develop a deeper understanding of solutions and molarity.
Resource Feature | September 2017 Increasing Student Comprehension of VSEPR Theory
In the activity described in this article, students construct physical models of molecular shapes. However, students are not told what the preferred arrangements of electron pair domains are. Instead, they derive the arrangements. Students are given the opportunity to conceptualize what is happening when one electron pair domain acts upon another, and to understand how those interactions result in the molecular geometries predicted by VSEPR theory. As an outcome of examining the physical basis of the VSEPR model, students should have a much better grasp of the implications of electron pair repulsions on molecular shape, and should be better able to understand, communicate, and apply that understanding.
Resource Feature | September 2017 Introducing the Chemistry of Color: A Resource Collection
This article highlights a set of lessons developed by a team of content writers, sponsored by PPG, using color as a general theme. The lessons use chemistry to explore various aspects of the science behind paints and coatings.
Nuts & Bolts | September 2017 Helping Students Use their English Language Skills
This article describes five assignments and projects that are aimed to help all students improve their English language skills.
Classroom Commentary | May 2017 Finding Chemistry Connections in Climate Change
The scientific evidence that underlies global warming and climate change has many connections with common chemistry topics. Incorporating global warming and climate change concepts into your curriculum gives context to the importance of understanding chemistry, and can help students develop a better understanding of why chemistry truly is the central science.
Resource Feature | March 2017 Take Home Labs: Making Science Real
It’s an ongoing question: how do we provide students with more lab time? One answer is to introduce take home labs. In this article, the author explains how take home labs can fit into your curriculum to cover new material, review material, or provide extra credit, and how they provide increased exposure to science in our everyday world.
Resource Feature | November 2016 A Map to Solving Limiting Reactant Problems
Teach struggling students how to determine the limiting reactant in a stoichiometry problem with this method. Through the use of arrows and corresponding steps, students are given appropriate guidance for completing these complicated calculations.
Tech Tips | March 2016 A Student Centered, Web Based Approach to Teaching Unit Conversions
Learn about a web-based tutorial that uses a drag and drop interface to teach students how to convert between units of measure. Features include a dimensional analysis approach and immediate feedback for students.
Resource Feature | March 2016 Keys for Success in Teaching Chemistry
Teach fundamental chemistry concepts using common items, and discover clever options for finding teaching supplies on a limited budget.
Resource Feature | March 2016 Bringing Real-Life Context to Chemical Math
Using real life examples can elicit and engage student participation. This teacher uses a striking audio clip example from a radio program to demonstrate the importance of scientific notation.
Nuts & Bolts | November 2014 Learning Electron Configuration via POGIL
Are your students struggling with learning electron configurations? This POGIL activity can help.
Resource Feature | September 2015 Stoichiometry Set-up Method
How do you make stoichiometry calculations easier for students to understand? This teacher describes a process of using visual cues in combination with a step-by-step problem solving method to guide students.
Nuts & Bolts | September 2015 Teaching Chemistry on a Budget
Do you have an unlimited budget for your classroom? Learn tips for maximizing your teaching resources and supplies, while minimizing cost.
Nuts & Bolts | September 2015 Round Robin: A Collaborative Problem-Solving Tool
Try this this problem solving activity that provides the opportunity for students to learn from each other in a cooperative manner.
Classroom Commentary | November 2015 Embracing the Spirit of the Next Generation Science Standards
This article reflects on the ways teachers are being challenged to design curriculum and implement the Next Generation Science Standards. There is an opportunity to demonstrate life-long learning and implement ways for students to create value in their knowledge and find joy in the learning process.
Nuts & Bolts | May 2015 The Power of Choice in the Classroom
This teacher stumbled upon a way to enhance student engagement: giving students choices for how to complete an assignment. And was pleasantly surprised to find students more engaged.
Resource Feature | May 2015 Chemical Research of Herbal Remedies
Grab your students' attention and help soldify their understanding of empirical formulas with this research project.
Resource Feature | March 2015 Positioning the Gas Laws in Our Chemistry Teaching
Set up student understanding of gas behavior and Avogadro's hypothesis using gas density, gas compressibility, and the law of combining volumes.