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 Amy Snyder
Thu, 05/11/2023 - 15:13

Experienced chemistry teachers offer tips for setting up labs! 

Recent activity: 6 months 3 weeks ago
by Josh Kenney
Tue, 05/09/2023 - 13:10

YouTube Shorts are 60-second vertical aspect ratio videos that are meant for cell phone viewing. Since they are shorter and easier for students to access than traditional YouTube videos, Josh Kenney has started creating more of them for his blended chemistry class. Check out some of his tips for creating effective chemistry tutorials with YouTube Shorts.

Recent activity: 6 months 4 weeks ago
by Tom Kuntzleman
Tue, 05/02/2023 - 18:48

Learn the chemistry behind the reaction between calcium carbide and water...melon...?!

Comments: 2
Recent activity: 5 months 4 weeks ago
by Michael Jansen
Tue, 05/02/2023 - 13:40

There are many ways that assessment can be done well. Michael Jansen shares what worked for him. 

Recent activity: 7 months 4 days ago
by Jim Webb
Wed, 04/26/2023 - 20:53

Have you seen the "salting-out effect"? This interesting demonstration shows a separation of two layers in a solution of water and an organic solvent by adding an ionic salt. Although this concept has important applications in organic chemistry and biochemistry, it can also be visually stunning and engaging for audiences. Read on to learn how to incorporate this demonstration into your chemistry lessons.

Recent activity: 7 months 1 week ago
by Ariel Serkin
Wed, 04/05/2023 - 10:22

Ariel Serkin shares an activity she has explored using natural acid base indicators with her food chemistry elective students. 

Comments: 2
Recent activity: 7 months 3 days ago
by Dean Campbell
Fri, 03/31/2023 - 09:55

This timely post is a perfect fit for the theme of Chemists Celebrate Earth Week 2023! Algae is a rich topic with many possible connections to the chemistry classroom. Algae needs to take in light, carbon dioxide, and various simple nutrients and, though it can sometimes get out of control, can produce oxygen, diatomaceous earth, and other products. It can even fluoresce pink! 

Recent activity: 8 months 5 days ago
by Melissa Hemling
Fri, 03/24/2023 - 16:17

The AP with WE Service program is one way to incorporate service-learning into your AP course to improve student understanding of content and help develop the leaders of tomorrow.

Recent activity: 8 months 2 weeks ago
by Ariel Serkin
Mon, 03/13/2023 - 15:05

Congratulations on becoming a PAEMST finalist. Now what? After the grueling application process, you realize that you now have to write an addendum. Here are some tidbits to help you navigate this hectic week.

Recent activity: 8 months 3 weeks ago
by Dean Campbell
Wed, 03/08/2023 - 15:57

Laser cutters can be used to cut and engrave a variety of thin materials. Compact discs, composed of layers of polycarbonate plastic and aluminum metal, were explored for their ability to be shaped with a laser cutter. The laser can successfully cut and engrave the compact discs into the shape of snowflake. However, each disc must first be coated with a material like glue in order to protect the plastic from discoloration and the byproducts from cutting the plastic that can accumulate on the disc surface.  

Recent activity: 8 months 4 weeks ago