Blogs

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.

by Tom Kuntzleman
Tue, 07/16/2024 - 07:01

How do Melissa & Doug’s “Water WOW!” Water Reveal coloring books work? Let's do some experiments to find out!

Recent activity: 3 months 3 weeks ago
by David Cash
Sun, 06/30/2024 - 10:13

A question set about an effervescent antacid formulation unpacks what is occurring both qualitatively and quantitatively. The student will review and apply formulas, balanced equations, percentage elemental compositions, mass-mass calculations, mole-mole calculations, theoretical yield, and limiting reagent.

Recent activity: 4 months 3 days ago
by Dean Campbell
Sat, 06/29/2024 - 13:56

Helical structures can be built from media such as LEGO bricks and paper. These structures can be used to model helical structures in chemistry. These include circularly polarized light and various helical biomolecules.

Recent activity: 4 months 1 day ago
by Michael Jansen
Mon, 06/10/2024 - 08:23

A simple shift in wording can help boost student engagement and understanding. 

Recent activity: 4 months 3 weeks ago
by Dean Campbell
Tue, 06/04/2024 - 11:00

When iron spheres at room temperature are added to liquid nitrogen, the nitrogen boils as heat is transferred in from the iron. The amount of liquid nitrogen boiled depends on the amount of heat transferred, which depends on the mass of the iron added. However, the rate at which liquid nitrogen boils depends on the surface area of the iron in contact with the liquid nitrogen. These phenomena can be studied with experiments which measure the mass lost by the boiling liquid nitrogen.

Recent activity: 5 months 3 days ago
by Melissa Hemling
Mon, 06/03/2024 - 13:32

Discover how a simple brain break activity, involving water balloon tosses, creatively reinforces the principles of Brønsted-Lowry acids and bases, making chemistry engaging and accessible for students. 

Comments: 2
Recent activity: 3 months 1 week ago
by Melissa Hemling
Tue, 05/21/2024 - 14:59

Use the classic Lava Lamp Lab to make the concept of intermolecular forces more accessible!

Recent activity: 5 months 2 weeks ago
by 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.

Recent activity: 5 months 3 weeks ago
by Melissa Hemling
Thu, 05/16/2024 - 07:50

Use magnetic chess as a brain break during chemistry class to help introduce potential energy versus interparticle distance graphs in a memorable way!

Recent activity: 3 months 1 week ago
by Tom Kuntzleman
Sat, 05/04/2024 - 07:44

Adding dyes to salting out experiments can create a variety of interesting color effects as the dyes differentially dissolve in the aqueous and organic layers. Can this differential solubility of dyes be explained using intermolecular forces as a guide? 

Recent activity: 6 months 4 days ago