Michael Jansen reflects on a very common empirical formula lab that asks students to determine the empirical formula of MgxOy. He then explains how he continues to use it as a "successful failure", how he demonstrates an alternate procedure and leads his students to an important lesson.
Can you use your knowledge of chemistry to figure out what is going on in this blue/green/yellow/blue color change?
The differing electrostatic and solubility properties of starch and polystyrene foam packing peanuts are used in various demonstrations to describe aspects of microplastics and their interactions with the environment. Their differing responses to exposure to liquid nitrogen and iodine solutions are also described.
Helping students develop abstract understanding is a universal goal. This article describes an activity that involves students developing and then solving novel quantitative chemistry problems following a MadLibsTM style framework.
Interested in expanding your instructional portfolio? What about getting involved with CUREs (Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences)? If so, check it out some more.
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.
To the point; no fluff. Communication so succinct that the message lands. Pardon the pun to Chemistry, but too many words dilute a message. The result: students remember nothing.
Summertime means doing chemistry experiments with flowers found growing in the yard...
Being a teacher during the pandemic was a transformative experience. But it's unlikely no one came out of the pandemic unscathed in some way. The scars are real and learning to accept them is part of the process in returning to "normal", which was an illusion and did not work well for many. Post-pandemic, how will my teaching change?
Get to zero by becoming neutral. In using this method, let chemistry bring together broader ideas from math, economics and wherever value(s) are expressed in the negative.
