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A Post-Inquiry Activity: A Tiered Significant Figures Lesson

Allison Tarvin | Tue, 02/17/2015 - 07:44

Historically, my students report significant figures as one of the most confusing concepts in honors chemistry. My recent blog post described the process of transforming my introduction into an inquiry activity. I’ve also re-worked my practice activities to be more directed to specific student needs, more focused on spending time with small groups, and more dedicated to active learning. This four step tiered plan works for me.

Getting to Know You

Michael Morgan | Tue, 02/10/2015 - 11:07

Hello and welcome to my new blog. I am Michael Morgan and I teach AP Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, Chemistry, and pretty much all things NErDy at Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High School in Los Angeles, CA. I have been teaching for almost 30 years. In Los Angeles I am a rare bird, a chemistry teacher that actually studied chemistry in college.

A “Buzzing” Introduction to Significant Figures

Allison Tarvin | Sat, 02/07/2015 - 14:06

Education “buzz words” can be meaningless jargon, or they can challenge us to consider new approaches to teaching and learning. Don’t let the jargon be a buzz kill!

“Significant figures are so confusing,” says my former student, who is currently taking AP Chemistry. My PowerPoint lecture with lab to follow didn’t work. Convicted, I wrestled with transforming my tired lesson. I embraced the buzz words. Let’s look at a significant figures lesson that changed my compliant, quiet learners to ENGAGED COLLABORATORS.

A Chemist Celebrates the International Year of Light

Tom Kuntzleman | Thu, 01/08/2015 - 13:43

Happy New Year!  Did you know that 2015 is the International Year of Light (IYL)? IYL is a “global initiative adopted by the United Nations to raise awareness of how optical technologies promote sustainable development and provide solutions to worldwide challenges in energy, education, agriculture, communications and health1”.  IYL is sponsored by several organizations with interests in science and science education, including the European Physical Society, the Institute of Physics, the American Physical Society, and the American Institute of Physics.  You can find several lesson plans, videos and other educational resources on the IYL website2.