Buffers bring together many of the skills students develop throughout AP Chemistry, making them both an important and often challenging topic to teach. In this APTeach session, teachers came together to share strategies for helping students make connections among acid–base chemistry, equilibrium, stoichiometry, particulate-level representations, and pH calculations. Participants explored a variety of instructional approaches and resources—including simulations, particle diagrams, graphing activities, card sorts, and formative assessments—designed to move students beyond simply performing buffer calculations toward developing a stronger conceptual understanding of how buffers work. As always, breakout-room conversations gave participants an opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss classroom challenges, and learn from the experiences of other AP Chemistry teachers.

Video highlights from the June 2026 APTeach Session.

View the PRESENTATION SLIDEDECK and access resource links shared in the full presentation.

Watch the APTeach Session Notes and Updates article for summaries of past meetings and announcements for upcoming presentations.

Each one-hour APTeach Zoom session provides 15-20 minutes of discussion centered around a challenging chemistry topic, followed by breakout rooms that allow small groups of teachers to share their best teaching practices related to that content.

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