May 2019 Xchange

Element of the Month - Nitrogen

In honor of the International Year of the Periodic Table: A familiarity with the chemistry of some of the elements more commonly encountered in everyday life is a valuable learning experience for all students. Nitrogen is the third in this series of elements to be discussed as part of the Element of the Month program.

The perfect follow up to reading this article: Chemistry is Everywhere! (Lyrics/Song/Video) 

Detection of Nickel Cations in Coins

It is not known why people develop allergies to nickel and there is no cure. The best course of action to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid contact with products containing nickel. This article will explain how to make an easy and cheap nickel detection device that will limit or eliminate the risks of exposure to sources of nickel using some interesting classic chemistry. 

Two Year College Conferences

2YC3 Summer (June) Conference in Midland, MI : This conference is scheduled in conjunction with the 50th ACS Central Regional Meeting (CERM) with the theme of MOLECULES TO MATERIALS. 

2YC3 Fall (August) Conference San Diego Miramar College: This conference is scheduled just before the Fall National ACS Meeting to be held in San Diego and celebrates collaborations and innovations.

AACT Science Coaches

Lauren Stewart has been involved with the AACT Science Coaches program for the 2018-2019 school year. Prior to working with her coach, she did not expect this person would be so interested in developing and executing lessons. The deadline for applying to the program for this coming school year is September 1, 2019.

Formative Assessment via Redox Reactions

Many teachers are focusing on developing and using three dimensional formative assessments in the classroom. This article outlines types of formative assessments and different ways they can be provided. An activity related to redox is offered as an example. 

Chemical Riddle #2 - Revisited from May 2014

Watch the video and see if you can explain how the demonstration is done!

See the Solution to Chemical Riddle #2.

Component 1 of National Board Certification

This is Part 2 of a 5-part series on National Board Certification in Chemistry. The focus of this article is on Component 1 - The Test.

DIY Whiteboards for Less Than $2.00/Each

Whiteboards are great learning tools in a science classroom. With these instructions, you can make eight 24-in x 24-in whiteboards for less than $2.00 each! Instructions for simple whiteboard stands are included.

PICK - The Inexplicable Beauty of Michael Faraday's Chemical History of a Candle Lectures

Bill Hammack has developed resources based on Michael Faraday's The Chemical History of a Candle. Five videos include simple, elegant demos of common phenomenon. Teacher notes and student activities related to the videos are available for teachers to download. 

Especially JCE: May 2019

The May issue of the Journal of Chemical Education is now available online to subscribers. Erica Jacobsen regularly highlights JCE articles that are of special interest to our ChemEd X community.

If you would like to explore the whole issue in more depth, check out Mary Saecker's JCE 96.05 May 2019 Issue Highlights.