problem solving

Problem solving (or problem-based learning) requires students to identify problems, gather information, collect and analyze data, and propose solutions. In activities requiring the application of these skills, instructors attempt to develop the ability of their students to think independently, critically, and creatively.

Term source
jce alt
Does ATP Provide Energy?
// Sunday, November 16, 2025 • Tom Kuntzleman
The conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) into adenosine diphosphate (ADP) is an extremely important energy source for living organisms. Under common physiological conditions, it can be expressed as:
Whoosh Bottle
Effect of Temperature on the Whoosh Bottle
// Tuesday, July 5, 2022 • Tom Kuntzleman
I recently had the opportunity to attend a conference of the Associated Chemistry Teachers of Texas (ACT2). I had  great time interacting with and learning from a whole bunch of wonderful chemical educators from the great state of Texas.
international load line markings
Seawater Chemistry and Global Trade- Part 2
// Monday, June 6, 2022 • Scott Donnelly
The first blog post of this seawater-oceanic shipping series deals with an introductory classroom activity that challenges students to predict how the composition and temperature of seawater influences a ship's buoyancy.
text: ANSWER KEYS WITH WRONG ANSWERS
Answer Keys with Wrong Answers
// Friday, March 4, 2022 • Josh Kenney
Chemistry is difficult to learn, but it tends to be easier for students who spend more time on consistent problem-solving practice. Many chemistry instructors provide students with practice tests to help guide their problem-solving and prepare for more significant assessments.
Multicolored experiment
Solution to Chemical Mystery #19: Multi-colored Mixture
// Sunday, February 6, 2022 • Tom Kuntzleman
In Chemical Mystery #19,1 a yellow liquid is poured into a test tube, and the liquid turns red. When a white sold is added to the red liquid in the test tube, the liquid turns blue.
Color changes
Chemical Mystery #19: Multi-colored Mixture
// Monday, January 31, 2022 • Tom Kuntzleman
I was recently playing around in the lab and discovered a new experiment that is very easy to carry out, but also results in a variety of mysterious color changes. You can watch it in the video below.
Blue Powerade turning green and yellow
Solution to Chemical Mystery #18: Peek A Boo Blue!
// Wednesday, August 18, 2021 • Tom Kuntzleman
In Chemical Mystery #18: Peek A Boo Blue,1 Blue Powerade is observed to change to green, and then to a yellow color. When the yellow-colored solution is disturbed by pouring it, it shifts back to green or blue-green.
text: The Golden Drain - A Case Study
The Golden Drain -- A Stoichiometry Case Study
// Sunday, June 20, 2021 • Josh Kenney
A case study is a guided inquiry activity that embeds problem-solving within a simulated real-world context. Case studies tend to be more challenging than traditional word problems because they are presented in a longer form, commonly as a story.