The October 2020 Xchange highlights some of the contributions that have been published on ChemEd X over the past month. We hope you will take a moment to check in and see what you may have missed.
We have compiled a list of content that may be helpful for those teaching online. This list continues to grow. Please let us know if we should add a resource or if there is something you are looking for that we might be able to help with. Resources for Teaching Online in 2020
Happy Mole Day (October 23rd) and enjoy National Chemistry Week! We salute all of you teaching chemistry during these difficult times!
The Mole - A Free Virtual Chemistry Lab ActivityJosh Kenney offers a lesson using two of his short videos to help students learn what a mole looks like for different substances. Part two of the lesson helps students learn how the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus determines the molar mass of an element by comparing individual isotopes in a PhET simulation. |
||
Introducing Density - A Free Virtual Chemistry Lab ActivityJosh Kenney 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 FormulasDetermining 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. |
||
A pedagogic field laboratory for professional development: Windows on the STEM inquiry classroomCome 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 OptionsIn 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 InstructionTo accommodate learning in the time of SARS-CoV 2 different hybrid instructional strategies have been deployed. This blog describes experiences with the HyFlex model. |
||
Practice Measuring Using Significant Figures In-Person or VirtuallyThis 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. |
||
Heat, The Ocean, and Climate ChangeTom Kuntzleman shares a simple way to relate the heat equation (Q = mc∆T ) to climate change. |
||
Spectroscopy in Everyday LifeSpectroscopy-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. |
||
Celebrate National Chemistry Week 2020 - Sticking with Chemistry!Celebrate National Chemistry Week 2020 October 18–24, 2020 with the theme, "Sticking with Chemistry."
|
||
Resources for Teaching Online in 2020As we continue to make plans to teach during these uncertain times we have been compiling a list of both new and previously published ChemEd X posts and resources that will be useful to readers while teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Do you have an activity, strategy or idea to share with the community? Is there a resource you would recommend? We welcome contributions. This list will grow, so check in again to see what has been added. |
![]() |
|
We hope you enjoy the content mentioned here and other content at ChemEd X. If you find ChemEd X content useful, please consider purchasing a subscription to help support ChemEd X using our online store. In addition to supporting the free content we make available, you will also get access to our complete video collection and other titles to help in teaching and learning chemistry. If you would like to contribute content, begin with the contribute page. For other questions or comments, please use our contact form.