October 2019 Xchange

AP Chemistry Sequence

The new AP Chemistry Course and Exam Description (CED) has been released and in effect for a few months now. The author, Kristen Drury, shares her thoughts on the resource and how she will use it. Kristen is an experienced AP chemistry teacher and Exam Reader. Don't miss the notes on her Atomic Structure and Stoichiometry & Reactions units below!

AP Chemistry Atomic Structure Ideas

Kristen Drury shares how she covers the new AP Chemistry Course and Exam Description Learning Objectives associated with atomic structure. 

AP Chemistry Stoichiometry and Reactions Lessons

The first unit in my sequence for AP Chemistry covers stoichiometry and reactions. The new AP Chemistry Course and Exam Description has identified Learning Objectives which need to be taught and practiced to ensure students perform well on the AP Chemistry Exam. Kristen Drury identifies and describes activities she uses to teach students some of these Learning Objectives.

Flipped Classroom: A Framework for In-Class Activities

The flipped-classroom approach to education is undoubtedly popular, with consistent growth in the number of related books, conference sessions, and educator network memberships. Although active-learning may not be any more beneficial in a flipped classroom compared to a traditional classroom, it is clear that a flipped class can increase the frequency of active-learning opportunities.

SBG Hacks: Homework

As teachers, we know how important it is for students to practice what they are learning and we are ever aware of the limited class time we have to provide those opportunities. We also know that our students have a full schedule of classes, are involved in extracurricular activities, work after-school jobs and may not have a strong support system and structure at home. That leaves us with the difficult question of “what do we do about homework?” 

Practical Classroom Implementations for Critical Pedagogy

Once one knows about Critical Pedagogy, what does one do with that knowledge? Can we implement strategies that embrace Critical Pedagogy while teaching the content we need to cover? Are there ways to build criticality in our students while maintaining our requirements for classroom rigor?

Measuring, Mentos, Soda, Gas Laws and Coffee

Many teachers start off the school year with a measuring activity. The author, Chad Husting, tried an activitiy published on ChemEd X and had students use the data to do some graphing and analysis. This was a nice lead in to the gas unit. He also made his own syphon coffee maker to demonstrate for his students.

Working on the Largest Periodic Table - World Record Attempt  

Organizers have been working on this project for over a year and the big day is just around the corner! On October 19th, volunteers will begin putting together all of the 118 elements that have been submitted. By noon, the periodic table will be measured and photos will be taken. The measurements and images will be sent on to the Guiness World Record officials! There will be many teachers and students traveling from around the state of Michigan and beyond to celebrate the International Year of the Periodic Table and witness this world record attempt. The general public is invited to attend. There will be demos and hands on activities along with student posters and an ACS poetry contest onsite. (Published 4/8/19)

Using Chemistry to Find that Silver Lining 

Originally Published by Tom Kuntzleman 3/3/2016

In honor of National Chemistry Week 2019, we are highlighting this activity previously published in 2016: The chemistry of silver and the process in which silver becomes tarnished is explored. Take a new look at an old JCE Classroom Activity.

Element of the Month - Copper

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. Copper is the sixth in this series of elements to be discussed as part of the Element of the Month program. #IYPT

Especially JCE: October 2019

The October 2019 issue of the Journal of Chemical Education is now available online to subscribers. Erica Jacobsen shares highlights from this issue of the Journal of Chemical Education of special interest to our ChemEd X community.