first-year undergraduate

Resources for Teaching Chemistry Online

Deanna Cullen | Wed, 12/30/2020 - 11:16

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Near the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic ChemEd X began compiling a list of both new and previously published ChemEd X posts and resources that might be useful to teachers while teaching remotely. Topics include Technology & Teaching Resources, Strategies and Tips for Teaching Online, Lesson Ideas Suitable for Online Instruction and more. This list continues to grow. Readers are encouraged to check in often to find new content and to comment with additional resources that we can add to our list.

An Excellent Resource for Developing and Implementing CUREs

Melanie Harvey | Mon, 07/19/2021 - 17:02

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Interested in expanding your instructional portfolio? What about getting involved with CUREs (Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences)? If so, check it out some more.

Leading the Way in K-12 Green Chemistry Education

Scott Donnelly | Wed, 07/14/2021 - 14:15

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Beyond Benign develops and supports teachers to advance sustainable science education. Learn how these teachers are practicing Green Chemistry in the classroom, mentoring colleagues, and growing professional learning communities.

Clover Color Chemistry

Tom Kuntzleman | Sat, 07/03/2021 - 16:07

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Summertime means doing chemistry experiments with flowers found growing in the yard...

A Laboratory Experiment to Review Basic Chemistry Lab Techniques

Nick Thomas | Tue, 06/22/2021 - 08:13

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After a year or more of virtual laboratory instruction due to pandemic restrictions in many colleges, a simple experiment has been designed to provide students returning to in-person lab instruction with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience reviewing basic chemistry laboratory apparatus and techniques.

Icy Brinicle of Death: A COOL Example of Freezing Point Depression

Thomas Cox | Thu, 06/17/2021 - 12:50

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What real world examples are made known to students when discussing freezing point depression? What about brinicles, also known as "Icy Fingers of Death"? A brinicle (from brine + ice) is a finger-like formation of supercooled brine solution that grows downward underneath sea ice. Intrigued? Cool (pun intended). Keep reading to find out more!

A Manipulative Paper Tool for Teaching Organic Nomenclature: Part 3- Common Names of Major Classes of Organic Compounds

Melanie Harvey | Tue, 06/15/2021 - 18:25

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This is the third in a series of classroom activities using paper tools to teach organic nomenclature. This post covers the two common naming systems used for carboxylic acids and derivatives, and second for alcohols, thiols, ethers, amines, and ketones.

The Bannock War of 1878, Camas, and Inulin: How Chemistry Adds Context to a Historical Event

Scott Donnelly | Mon, 06/14/2021 - 13:25

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What does a recent visit to Fort Bridger State Historic Park in southwestern Wyoming, a plant similar to an onion, and an armed conflict between Native Americans and the US government have anything to do with chemistry? Much. Check it out here.

Quantum Levitation and Superconductors

Tom Kuntzleman | Thu, 06/03/2021 - 13:21

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Some explorations and explanations regarding superconductors and the quantum levitation (also known as quantum locking) experiment.

Surveying Litter as a Citizen Science Chemistry Activity

Dean Campbell | Sun, 05/30/2021 - 10:25

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During the last few semesters, a small survey has been deployed at Bradley University where students were to describe and classify items of litter that they found. The purposes of the surveys were to get students thinking about some of the chemical implications of solid waste and give the students some experience with a citizen science project. The most recent iteration of the survey, and some of its results, are described.