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 Dean Campbell
Sun, 10/01/2023 - 09:07

Regularly dimpled trays such as those used in food packaging can be used to represent layers of atoms in solid structures. For example, the square array of dimples in transparent plastic mini quiche trays can be used to depict layers within cubic or tetragonal unit cells. Multiple solid structures and ways to represent those structures are described. 

Recent activity: 1 year 1 week ago
by Michael Jansen
Mon, 09/25/2023 - 12:46

Michael Jansen offers test taking strategies for students.

Recent activity: 1 year 1 week ago
by Chadwick Young
Sun, 09/24/2023 - 13:05

Find out more about Nicholls State University Department of Chemistry's recruiting program involving a Roadshow and Field Days and its impact on diversity in the chemistry program.

Recent activity: 10 months 4 days ago
by Melissa Hemling
Mon, 09/18/2023 - 08:42

Brain Breaks are powerful tools in education, supported by research showing improved focus, retention, community building, and reduced stress among students. When structured using chemistry principles, like in the Water Maze Race, brain breaks can also introduce or reinforce fundamental chemistry concepts.

Comments: 2
Recent activity: 3 months 2 weeks ago
by Ben Meacham
Fri, 08/25/2023 - 07:49

This simulated ice core lab provides a great opportunity for students to use different units of concentration beyond molarity, explore how knowledge of chemistry can uncover past events on Earth and practice the skill of generating a calibration curve. 

Recent activity: 1 year 2 months ago
by Tom Kuntzleman
Mon, 08/21/2023 - 09:03

The floating soap bubble is an impressive experiment that is surprisingly easy to carry out.

Comments: 2
Recent activity: 1 year 1 month ago
by Josh Kenney
Sat, 08/19/2023 - 09:13

Josh Kenney shares three simple and inexpensive demonstrations using Elmer’s glue.

Recent activity: 1 year 1 month ago
by Michael Jansen
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 09:53

Michael Jansen shares his thoughts about "softly" introducing topics before their formal appearance in the curriculum.

Recent activity: 1 year 2 months ago
by Dean Campbell
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 07:17

The color of a thermochromic system depends on its temperature. The colors of leuco dye-based systems can also be influenced by adding acids or bases to the thermochromic reactions. These can be used to create colorful demonstrations of acid-base chemistry. Thermochromism found in color changing cups can also be used to visualize heat flow, and therefore thermodynamic principles, associated with stretching and contracting elastomers.

Recent activity: 1 year 2 months ago
by Sarah English
Sun, 08/13/2023 - 15:11

Javalab is a resource for free simulations to support student understanding of chemistry concepts. These web based simulations can be used across different platforms and are simple in their use by students. The open ended aspect of the simulations allow for teachers to be creative in how they are used in class.

Recent activity: 1 year 3 months ago