JCE ChemEd Xchange provides a place for sharing information and opinions. Currently, articles, blogs and reading lists from ChemEd X contributors are listed below. We plan to include other items that the community wishes to share through their contributions to ChemEd X.
After just returning from Chem Ed 2019 in Naperville, I was planning on writing a blog about the best ideas and take aways. Indeed there were many amazing and creative ideas shared. But a guy named Mike captured more attention from me than all of those.
Chemiluminescence demonstrations that use peroxyoxalate “glowstick” systems are very popular in a variety of lecture demonstrations and classroom activities. These reactions are very eye catching and easy to do; however, until recently, the range of oxalate diesters available has been limited. In this article we present a modification of the published procedures for the preparation of multigram quantities of oxalate diesters derived from vanillin and methyl salicylate. The modified protocol allows a common procedure to be followed to access both compounds efficiently.
Hello, and welcome back to my second blog about chemistry education in the tri-border region of California, Arizona, and Mexico. In my last article I described the area and students who attend the two institutions in Yuma, AZ- Arizona Western College (AWC) and Northern Arizona University-Yuma (NAU). In this second post I will talk briefly about my experiences teaching an upper-division biochemistry course. I presume that what I observe in my classes is not much different than what you observe in your classes.
The beginning of the school year is almost here.
The American Chemical Society's Committee on Chemical Safety has reached out once again asking that the larger community share the warning about using the Rainbow Demonstration. They want to spread the word about the dangers of the Rainbow Flame Demonstration so no further injuries occur.
Catalyzing Student Learning
The July 2019 issue of the Journal of Chemical Education is now available online to subscribers. Topics featured in this issue include: glowmatography; examining secondary chemistry teaching; useful teaching models and tools; making science accessible; teaching kinetics; computer-based learning; explorations using x-rays; polymer chemistry laboratories; using batteries to teach; analytical chemistry; investigating scale literacy skills; printing the archives: cyanotype.
Erica Jacobsen shares highlights from the July 2019 issue of the Journal of Chemical Education of special interest to our ChemEd X community.
I facilitate a working group of chemistry teachers in the New York area and we recently created our own activity surrounding the topic of oxidation. The goal of the probe was to force students to think about what the meaning of oxidation is, as well as to allow students to engage in the science and engineering practice of argumentation. This was an introductory lesson to my oxidation and reduction unit prior to students learning the terms oxidation and reduction.
The thought of being videotaped while teaching could make me break out in a cold sweat. Will I say the right things? Will I stumble over my words? Will I look awkward? Will my students behave the way I hope they will? Aaaaah! Deep breaths!
More students use YouTube than any other demographic. Considering this reality, I began creating my own video content on my YouTube channel, The Science Classroom. As a seasoned YouTube content creator, I offer tips for getting started with your own science tutorials.
