high school chemistry

Resources for Teaching Online in 2020

Deanna Cullen | Thu, 08/06/2020 - 07:46

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As we continue to make plans to teach during these uncertain times we have been compiling a list of both new and previously published ChemEd X posts and resources that will be useful to readers while teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Do you have an activity, strategy or idea to share with the community? Is there a resource you would recommend? We welcome contributions. This list will grow, so check in again to see what has been added.

Heat, The Ocean, and Climate Change

Tom Kuntzleman | Fri, 10/16/2020 - 10:14

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Learn a simple way to relate the heat equation (Q = mc∆T ) to climate change.

The Mole - A Free Virtual Chemistry Lab Activity

Josh Kenney | Wed, 10/14/2020 - 09:08

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In this activity, students learn about the mole. In section 1, students learn what a mole looks like for different substances. In section 2, students learn how the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus determines the molar mass of an element by comparing individual isotopes in a PhET simulation..

Practice Measuring Using Significant Figures In-Person or Virtually

Carrie Clippard | Wed, 10/07/2020 - 10:07

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This activity allows students to see many different types of scales in order to become proficient at measuring and determining how many digits to record in any measurement, whether it be volumes, masses, lengths, etc.

A pedagogic field laboratory for professional development: Windows on the STEM inquiry classroom

Christopher Bauer | Sun, 10/04/2020 - 23:00

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Come explore the “Fire and Ice” pedagogic field laboratory. Follow suggested pathways and perspectives, or blaze your own trails. Visit for 10 minutes or for hours.

NGSS-ify Alka-Seltzer Rocket Activity - With Virtual Options

Stephanie O'Brien | Sun, 10/04/2020 - 16:22

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In this lab students are given a film canister, a quantity of Alka Seltzer of their own choosing and any materials available in the room to investigate factors that affect the rate of reaction. They work with their groups to create CER boards and then the class engages in a Glow and Grow session. Tips for using this activity in a virtual setting are offered as well.

The Power of Google Forms

Chad Husting | Sun, 09/20/2020 - 15:07

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"Google Forms" can be a powerful tool to assist both virtual and face to face students in chemistry.

Introducing Density - A Free Virtual Chemistry Lab Activity

Josh Kenney | Wed, 09/16/2020 - 11:24

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The author explains a virtual chemistry lab activity for use in a high school chemistry class. This activity is an excellent way to introduce measurements, significant figures, and the concept of density.

Exploration of Gas Laws Using Atomsmith Online

Lowell Thomson | Fri, 09/11/2020 - 11:21

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Using the online simulation tool (Atomsmith Classroom Online) and the ADI framework students investigate the properties of gases, along with two gas laws. An ADI "whiteboard discussion" helps in getting students to really process what the results of experiments mean to us as chemists - and how this leads to expanding our understanding of matter. This activity lends itself to an online classroom.

Hybrid, Block, and Crazy: Reflections from the Trenches

Melissa Hemling | Mon, 09/07/2020 - 17:41

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Reflections of a high school teacher after one week of teaching in the hybrid schedule. Download a copy of the author's Class TImer and Brain Break Google slides.