Blogs

ChemEd X contributors offer their ideas and opinions on a broad spectrum of topics pertaining to chemical education.

Blogs at ChemEd X reflect the opinions of the contributors and are open to comments. Only selected contributors blog at ChemEd X. If you would like to blog regularly at ChemEd X, please use our Contribution form to request an invitation to do so from one of our editors.

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Twisting the Dragon's Tail
Uranium:Twisting the Dragon's Tail on PBS
// Saturday, August 22, 2015 • mamorgan@me.com
I am just now getting caught up on all the things I recorded on my DVR this summer and came across a great two part special on the history of Uranium called “Twisting the Dragon’s Tail”.
Lab Report Feedback, Part 1: Using Drawboard PDF on a Tablet to Provide Feedback on Student Labs
// Sunday, August 16, 2015 • LowellThomson
Throughout my 21 previous years as a teacher, I have really struggled to provide meaningful (and timely!) feedback to my students on their lab reports. Teaching IB Chemistry has really forced me to get better - and I have. Yet I still feel like this is an area for more improvement.I've got a series of blog posts planned to share some ideas with you - and hopefully garner some discussion that will be helpful for me also! First I'd like to share the mechanics of how I provide feedback.
propane gun
Storm troopers ain't got nothing on this chemist
// Wednesday, August 5, 2015 • Tom Kuntzleman
You HAVE to build one of these for your chemistry classroom. Your students are going to love this! At this site*, you can learn how to build a propane gun. In the video below, you can see the propane gun in action:
Modeling Instruction
Addressing Student Misconceptions Using Modeling Instruction
// Sunday, August 2, 2015 • Michelle Okroy
As school districts across the country approach the implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards, students will be required to develop models to illustrate what occurs at an atomic level as well as apply various mathematical representations in order to explain a science-based concept.
My First Day Demonstration
// Friday, July 31, 2015 • mamorgan@me.com
I have a first day routine that I am very proud of. I have used it for 25 years and I think I finally have it down pat. I have spoken to students from 20 years ago at reunions and they tell me that they still remember the first day of chemistry so I think it is pretty good.
digital learning platform
Four Things I Learned on the Path to the Right Online Learning Platform
// Thursday, July 23, 2015 • Allison Tarvin
Edmodo, Coursesites, Schoology…which digital learning platform is best for you? I’ve been searching for the right, free fit for me for the last three years. My journey has taken me from Edmodo to Coursesites to Schoology. I learned four valuable lessons about myself along the way that may help you make your own decision.
ChemEd 2015
Modeling Instruction at ChemEd 2015
// Tuesday, July 21, 2015 • Larry Dukerich
Anyone interested in learning more about Modeling Instruction in Chemistry can find out more about it by attending any of the several presentations or workshops at ChemEd 2015.  Here is a list of sessions and a summary of each. What Does a Chemistry Course That is Centered on Models and Modeling Look Like?
Actors/Scientists Delve into the Periodic Table
// Friday, July 17, 2015 • Erica K. Jacobsen
It was Oregonians only (lucky me!) for PBS’s limited release of The Mystery of Matter: Search for the Elements in fall 2014. A national premiere is now at hand—mark your calendar for your local station’s broadcast.