ChemEd X contributors offer their ideas and opinions on a broad spectrum of topics pertaining to chemical education.
Blogs at ChemEd X reflect the opinions of the contributors and are open to comments. Only selected contributors blog at ChemEd X. If you would like to blog regularly at ChemEd X, please use our Contribution form to request an invitation to do so from one of our editors.
Lead contributor Nora Walsh has compiled several activities for AP students to follow after the exam. From engaging one-day activities to Organic lessons and project ideas, Nora has you covered for a successful end of the school year with your AP students.
A pre-dinner conversation leads to a different way of thinking about quantum superposition. A meal from an idiosyncratic chef is not defined until “the reveal.” Discussion of this leads to the statement by Asher Peres that “unperformed experiments have no results.” Discussion of Peres’ statement, then contrasting versions of resultlessness in both macroscopic and quantum realms, leads to classroom discussion. This, hopefully, creates an easier and deeper understanding of quantum mechanics.
In this blog, Michael Jansen considers the significance of using proper units and their role in helping students develop a conceptual understanding of Chemistry.
Light absorbance and fluorescence were studied for a sample of the Chicago River that had been dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day. The sample had weak green fluorescence, showing that the intense green appearance of the river was in part due to the long path length of light through the water. The ability of the green color to partition into 1-octanol was also explored.
AP teacher and exam reader, Nora Walsh, shares tips on how to help your students answer AP Chemistry free-response questions. She provides examples, references, and rationale for her suggestions.
Check out these curated resources to help you plan for your AP Chemistry Review!
Join us at ChemEd 2025 this July at the Colorado School of Mines. Check out this post to learn about all the exciting opportunities!
Ryan Johnson and I took a trip to the top of Pikes Peak to study the Coke and Mentos experiment. And we had a few surprises along the way...
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.
In this post, Kevin Morse outlines an easy-to-implement procedure to help students reflect on teacher feedback for improved understanding.