high school chemistry

Creating a Classroom Culture - Call for Contributions

Deanna Cullen | Fri, 06/30/2017 - 12:14

This Call for Contributions has closed. As many school districts are moving toward incorporating student-centered curriculum and pedagogy, many teachers have found that it can be difficult to initiate a classroom culture that encourages students to embrace the change which calls for them to engage in discussions and take more responsibility for their own learning. Chemical Education Xchange (ChemEd X) is interested in learning about how teachers are creating a culture of student-centered learning in their classrooms. For this reason, we are initiating our content specific CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS centered on the concept of “Creating a Classroom Culture”.

National Conference for Advanced POGIL Practitioners

Chad Husting | Mon, 06/26/2017 - 15:39

POGIL stands for "Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning". Over the years I have accidentally and somewhat intentionally been using POGIL activities. Students must work in teams, examine models and answer questions that become more complex based on the models and students hopefully build knowledge. I have had my ups and downs. It has been messy. Bottom line...here is what almost always happens...I eavesdrop on students talking like scientists. It is student centered and the comments would never come from students if I sat back and lectured. Somehow, I wound up at this conference for "advanced" POGIL practitioners. I am trying to keep it a secret that I have never really been advanced at anything and am hoping that by the time anyone figures this out the conference will be over.

A Better Way to Organize Laboratory Equipment

Doug Ragan | Mon, 06/26/2017 - 10:36

I decided to take the time and to do some needed inventory. I wanted to match equipment to its designated table. Next, I wanted to make sure that each of my eight lab tables had the proper equipment needed to eliminate no more missing equipment. Sure enough, as I began the inventory project, I had several tables missing equipment, so once everything was laid out and counted and organized then I had to make sure it was going to stay that way. I had several rolls of colored tape and it was easy to then begin marking each of the pieces of equipment and glassware with tape.

Using the ACS Exams in Your Classroom

Ben Meacham | Wed, 06/21/2017 - 11:19

Say the words standardized test to most educators and you will likely notice a minor gag reflex. While I completely sympathize with this reaction given the frequently labeled testing culture that’s been far too often forced upon us within the past 15 years, I think it is appropriate to take a step back and recognize the meaningful role a standardized test can have on our curriculum and instruction. After a recent experience using an exam from the ACS Division of Chemical Education Examinations Institute¹, I was able to recognize that meaningful role. So, the purpose of this article is to provide useful information for anyone interested in the exam implementation process.

JCE 94.06 June 2017 Issue Highlights

Mary Saecker | Wed, 06/14/2017 - 19:03

Engaging Participation and Promoting Active Learning

The June 2017 issue of the Journal of Chemical Education is now available online to subscribers. Topics featured in this issue include: materials science and nanotechnology laboratories, promoting active learning, catalysis and kinetics, blue bottle reaction, cost-effective instrumentation, resources for teaching, from the archive: anchoring concept content maps.

Especially JCE: June 2017

Erica K. Jacobsen | Tue, 06/13/2017 - 17:38

Erica Jacobsen shares highlights from the June 2017 issue of the Journal of Chemical Education that are of special interest to high school chemistry teachers.

Acid, Base, pH and Food Chemistry

Chad Husting | Fri, 06/09/2017 - 06:58

I try to examine activities an multiple levels. First on the list, I want to know if my students will be engaged and learn something. Second, how difficult is it for me as a teacher to actually pull it off? One of the most important questions...are the students learning chemistry or just having fun? This is the first year I have attempted the following activity. Students were engaged in the real world connection, they asked questions, it transitioned into some chemistry concepts and even some parents got involved. The activity involved acid, bases, pH and food.

Time required:

An evening of baking (about an hour at home) and a day in class.

Reduction of Permanganate Ion by Acids in Rhubarb, Apples, and Candy

Tom Kuntzleman | Mon, 06/05/2017 - 17:00

If rhubarb stem is placed in a solution of permanganate, the purple permanganate ion is reduced to the colorless Mn²⁺ ion. It is thought that the oxalic acid present in rhubarb causes this reduction. The investigations presented in this post provide evidence that this may not be the whole story...

Qualitative Analysis of IONS

Michael Morgan | Mon, 06/05/2017 - 10:41

supplies for ion qualitative analysis lab

Near the end of the school year we are all thinking about what we will do with our AP Chem students until the end of the semester. Last year I wrote about a post AP independent study activity that I use dealing with transition metal compounds. I still like it and use it. But this year I want to talk about a very involved lab that many of my colleagues are ignoring.

Use of Particulate-Level Instruction on Chemical and Physical Changes and States of Matter

MeyersChemistry | Wed, 05/24/2017 - 10:36

I will share how I use the Target Inquiry activity, Change You Can Believe In. I have realized that I need to include particulate models within the assessments after the lab to fully evaluate my student's conceptual understanding.