Josh Kenney's blog

LEGO Stoichiometry Activity

Josh Kenney explains an innovative POGIL-like approach to teaching stoichiometry, integrating LEGO pieces. Addressing student difficulties with stoichiometry's abstract nature, he designed a custom LEGO activity inspired by existing resources, promoting collaboration and enhancing conceptual grasp. This engaging approach primes students for complex stoichiometry challenges.

Five Tips for Creating Chemistry Tutorials on YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts are 60-second vertical aspect ratio videos that are meant for cell phone viewing. Since they are shorter and easier for students to access than traditional YouTube videos, Josh Kenney has started creating more of them for his blended chemistry class. Check out some of his tips for creating effective chemistry tutorials with YouTube Shorts.

Upgrading a Classic Science Demonstration

In a classic demonstration of energy conservation, smashing two large steel ball bearings generates sufficient heat to burn a hole through a piece of paper. Josh Kenney found this demonstration underwhelming because the paper doesn't look burned. So, he upgraded the experiment by covering the paper in Elmer's Color Changing Glue. Now, a spectacular color change reveals the increase in heat!

How to Use TikTok and YouTube Shorts in Your Chemistry Class

TikTok and YouTube Shorts are video sharing platforms for short-form, vertical aspect videos. Both of these services are growing more quickly in popularity compared to more traditional video formats. Josh Kenney shares some of the ways that he is using short-form videos in his chemistry class and shares a free resource (an exam review worksheet that links to a YouTube Shorts playlist through a QR code).

Lessons from the Early College High School Model

Early Middle College High Schools are growing in popularity. They are an alternative public high school program where students earn up to 60 college credits while completing their high school diploma. Here, the author describes some lessons learned while teaching at an early college program that helps prepare students for college and careers.