Chemistry Solutions
May 2017
Featured Article
Classroom Commentary
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 Features
Lessons by teachers with their inspiration for the activity or tips for how to implement the lesson.
This end-of-the-year project for high school chemistry students involves learning and using inquiry strategies to teach chemical concepts to fifth-grade students through hands-on activities. The author outlines the project, including conversations with elementary teachers, planning logistics, field trip details, and student preparation. Read about the many rewards of a well-planned and executed project that binds the grade levels through chemistry.
Classroom Commentary
Reflections and perspectives by teachers about topics that affect chemistry education.
Contemplating some summer reading? The author shares his thoughts on two books that are rich in details about the progression of science, and also explore more important, fundamental insights about the discipline.
Nuts & Bolts
Functional tips you can implement in your classroom.
Safety in the chemistry lab is a concern for all teachers, regardless of years of experience. In 2015, major changes occurred to chemical labels and SDS in the US, however, many people that work and teach with chemicals are still fuzzy on the details. This article aims to increase your comfort level with SDSs by describing the timeline, some changes over the last 5 years, pros/cons of the newer format, related hazard communication issues, and providing info on other available resources.
Using Formative Assessment to Guide Instruction
Formative assessment is a valuable tool for determining a student's misconceptions and level of science understanding, in order to guide class instruction. While it can seem intimidating, formative assessment can take a variety of forms to incorporate movement and collaboration in the classroom.
In My Element
Stories about teachers finding their way to the chemistry classroom.
The author recounts the events and influences, from childhood through retirement, that guided his successful teaching career.
Teacher 2 Teacher
AACT discussion board recent post: Order of Topics for AP Chemistry
"As the year starts to wind down, I start thinking about how the year has gone. I was wondering what order of topics others follow in their teaching? I have tried a variety of ways over the years to introduce topics into my AP Chemistry curriculum and am curious how others approach this."
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Editorial
AACT President Scott Hawkins reflects fondly on his year as AACT president, the accomplishments of AACT, and the promise for a bright future. He also shares news about upcoming events, governing board election results, and member benefits.
Simulation
In the May 2017 simulation, students first learn how the average atomic mass is determined through a tutorial based on the isotope abundance for Carbon. Students will then interact within a workspace where they will select the number of isotopes, the mass of each isotope as well as their abundancies in order to successfully build a mystery element. Finally they will use their choices to calculate the average atomic mass of the mystery element.
