Using Candy To Simulate Alpha and Beta Decay
Jeanette Marshall | Thu, 05/05/2022 - 13:33
This engaging activity uses wrapped and unwrapped candy to simulate alpha and beta decay.
Models
Making Chemistry Visible with Doug Ragan
Deanna Cullen | Wed, 04/20/2022 - 12:24
Many chemistry teachers use models and diagrams to help students describe how matter behaves at the particle level. On April 14, 2022, Doug Ragan explained how he uses colored magnets in his classroom to represent things such as subatomic particles, states of matter, balancing chemical equations, types of bonding, molecular geometry and much more. View a recording of his presentation and access materials he uses.
Paper Snowflakes to Model Flat Symmetrical Molecules
Dean Campbell | Wed, 04/06/2022 - 13:39
Flat, symmetrical molecules can be modeled by folding a sheet of paper, cutting patterns into the folded structure, and unfolding to produce the flat paper models. The finished models resemble paper snowflakes, but have a variety of rotational symmetries. Template patterns for several molecules are available for download in the Supporting Information.
Three-dimensional figure to improve the didactics of the Periodic Table
PABLO CASSINELLO | Mon, 04/04/2022 - 10:00
A kaleidocycle is presented in which the entire periodic table has been collected. In this three-dimensional figure are the elements organized in four blocks according to their final electronic structure. It is intended that students with this playful figure actively participate in classes by rotating their kaleidocycle looking for the groups or elements that are being studied. The entire periodic table fits in one palm of their hands. It is also a didactic device because students only focus their attention on one block or group of elements from the entire Periodic Table. It can be achieved a more entertaining, motivating and exciting learning about the subject of the Periodic Table.
Bringing Chemistry to Life
Katy Dornbos | Sun, 04/04/2021 - 17:30
This activity aims to boost students’ confidence in representing the atomic world. It also aims to educate both students and the general public about the “chemicals” found in everyday objects.
Energizer Lab with Virtual Options
Deanna Cullen | Tue, 03/23/2021 - 14:42
In this lab, students connect the workings of an electrochemical cell in the lab with the symbolic equations used in electrochemistry and manipulate a model representing the particulate level of what is happening during the electrochemical process. Although this lab was previously highlighted on ChemEd X, there are now virtual options offered!
Dust Off Your Molecule Kits!
Melissa Hemling | Thu, 03/18/2021 - 18:54
Many of us have molecular kits we only use once a year. Dust them off and find new lessons to use them in!
Some of my Favorite Things for VSEPR
Melissa Hemling | Thu, 03/18/2021 - 17:25
Melissa Hemling shares her favorite manipulatives along with cheap at-home alternatives to help students visualize VSEPR.
Supercharge Your Classroom with GIFs
Melissa Hemling | Sun, 02/28/2021 - 17:00
Are you having a hard time describing 3-D drawings or or showing motion of particles in your digital assignments? GIFs can help!
Creating Interactive Particle Diagram Activities for Online Instruction
Michael Farabaugh | Mon, 08/31/2020 - 16:48
Many teachers have students draw models and diagrams to help them illustrate how matter behaves. Teachers can uncover and address possible misconceptions quickly using this strategy. The author describes how to create interactive particle diagram activities that are easy for students to use online. This strategy is applicable to almost any particle diagram and should be useful for teachers during virtual lessons.