Heat, The Ocean, and Climate Change
Tom Kuntzleman | Fri, 10/16/2020 - 10:14
Learn a simple way to relate the heat equation (Q = mc∆T ) to climate change.
Chemistry
Practice Measuring Using Significant Figures In-Person or Virtually
Carrie Clippard-Cope | Wed, 10/07/2020 - 10:07
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.
Spectroscopy in Everyday Life
Thomas Cox | Tue, 10/06/2020 - 17:20
Spectroscopy-based experiments are commonplace in college labs. This out-of-classroom activity post provides links to applications of spectroscopy in a diverse spectrum of disciplines and work fields.
A pedagogic field laboratory for professional development: Windows on the STEM inquiry classroom
Christopher Bauer | Sun, 10/04/2020 - 23:00
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
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.
Thoughts About Using the HyFlex Model for Science Instruction
Francisco Villa | Fri, 10/02/2020 - 16:40
To accommodate learning in the time of SARS-CoV 2 different hybrid instructional strategies have been deployed. This blog describes experiences with the HyFlex model.
The Power of Google Forms
Chad Husting | Sun, 09/20/2020 - 15:07
"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
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.
An Upcycled Teaching Aid for Ionic Formulas
Jerry Godbout | Sun, 09/13/2020 - 19:15
Determining the empirical formulas of ionic compounds based on charge balance is often a challenge for beginning chemistry students. Many visual aides have been developed for this purpose, from repurposing commercial interlocking bricks to custom 3-D printed bricks. This article describes yet another option– upcycled can carriers.
Exploration of Gas Laws Using Atomsmith Online
Lowell Thomson | Fri, 09/11/2020 - 11:21
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.