The Importance of Words
Michael Jansen | Thu, 05/16/2024 - 11:46
The meaning of chemistry vocabulary may seem obvious to the teacher, but we cannot assume that students have the same understanding.
Content
What are Your Questions?
Michael Jansen | Mon, 06/10/2024 - 08:23
A simple shift in wording can help boost student engagement and understanding.
Application of the Ideal Gas Law and Avogadro’s Hypothesis
Michael Jansen | Mon, 12/30/2024 - 11:01
Engage your Chemistry students with a dynamic, 40-minute lab that uses the Ideal Gas Law to uncover the molar masses of "mystery gases." Perfect for Grade 11 or Honors Chemistry, this adaptable experiment combines theory with real-world applications!
A Logical Order of Topics for Honors Chemistry and AP Chemistry
Michael Jansen | Fri, 04/04/2025 - 10:23
In this post, a veteran AP Chemistry teacher explains his rationale for the course's topic order. By using an empirically driven sequence, students build deep conceptual understanding and rely less on memorization of facts. It’s a must-read for any educator aiming to make chemistry more meaningful—and more memorable—for students.
A Critical Look at Units
Michael Jansen | Sun, 05/18/2025 - 10:23
In this blog, Michael Jansen considers the significance of using proper units and their role in helping students develop a conceptual understanding of Chemistry.
The Value of Microtitrations
Michael Jansen | Sun, 06/22/2025 - 15:58
Microtitrations can be used as a stand-alone lesson or as an introduction to more complex titrations. Done without expensive glassware and materials, this alternative to buret titrations is easy to implement in most classroom situations.
A Knowledge of Electrolysis Thwarts a Scam
Michael Jansen | Sun, 07/27/2025 - 11:55
This post describes an engaging, thought-provoking capstone activity for the Redox/Electrochemistry unit in AP Chemistry1. It may be used as a homework assignment, a collaborative in-class assignment, or as a challenging test or exam question.2 It can also be used as a hands-on and MINDS-ON laboratory activity or teacher demonstration.
An Empirically-Based and Logical Approach to Teaching the Oxidation Number Concept
Michael Jansen | Sun, 08/24/2025 - 12:32
Oxidation-Reduction (Redox) reactions, also referred to as electron-transfer reactions, are common. So common, in fact, that four of the five general reaction types studied in Honors Chemistry involve the transfer of electrons. In this post, lead contributor Michael Jansen outlines three approaches to teaching electron transfer and Redox reactions.
The Required Skills to Balancing Redox Equations—Logical and Easy
Michael Jansen | Fri, 09/26/2025 - 11:12
Balancing redox reactions doesn’t have to feel like a guess-and-check process. Once students master oxidation numbers, they can follow a clear “script” to keep every atom, charge, and electron on cue—even in acidic solutions like Fe²⁺/MnO₄⁻ → Fe³⁺/Mn²⁺. This article shares a student-ready, color-coded, animated PPT and a step-by-step routine (LEO/GER, electron equalization, H₂O/H⁺ balance) that turns messy equations into solvable scenes.
Soil Test Kit Instruction Sheet – A Curriculum Resource for Chemistry
David Cash | Tue, 08/03/2021 - 15:41
The two-page instruction sheet that accompanies the Luster Leaf Rapitest© Soil Test Kit could be a useful curriculum resource for chemistry teachers for generating discussion about the key aspects of the content or for helping students practice close reading skills. This article will briefly describe the contents of the instruction sheet and suggest possible uses in the general chemistry curriculum by posing questions for students to answer or consider.