May 2015

Featured Article

Classroom Commentary

A Dialog on Terminology: Double Replacement vs Ion Swap

Are ionic AX + BY reactions better titled double replacement or ion swap? Read the discourse between two advanced high school chemistry students, with an introduction and conclusion from their teacher.

Resource Features

Lessons by teachers with their inspiration for the activity or tips for how to implement the lesson.

Access is an AACT member benefit. The Indestructible Crucible

Is it correct to use unconventional equipment in a school setting? Read about this alternative apparatus to the traditional crucible—a bottle cap.


Access is an AACT member benefit. Chemical Research of Herbal Remedies

Grab your students' attention and help soldify their understanding of empirical formulas with this research project.



Access is an AACT member benefit. Water Sustainability: A Video Project and More

Find out how an old and unsuccessful report on the unique properties of water evolved into a meaningful, collaborative, and rich unit on water sustainability.

Nuts & Bolts

Functional tips you can implement in your classroom.

Access is an AACT member benefit. Using NGSS in the Chemistry Classroom

Questions from the March NGSS webinar are addressed, touching on topics including NGSS resources, how NGSS effects chemistry curriculum, and helpful tips about ChemCom sixth edition.



Access is an AACT member benefit. The Power of Choice in the Classroom

This teacher stumbled upon a way to enhance student engagement: giving students choices for how to complete an assignment. And was pleasantly surprised to find students more engaged.



Lab Cleanup in 15 Minutes a Day

Simple steps all busy teachers can take to clean and organize their prep room.

Tech Tips

How to incorporate technology into your chemistry classroom.

Access is an AACT member benefit. How Social Media Improved My Teaching

Twitter, Google+, and blogs have expanded this teacher's resources and learning networks outside of her own district, and allowed her to be reflective about her teaching.

In My Element

Stories about teachers finding their way to the chemistry classroom.

Access is an AACT member benefit. Part Designer, Part Chemist, Part Teacher

The creator of Compound Interest shares his inspiration for his infographics and reveals how he balances his website with full-time teaching.

Teacher 2 Teacher

@AACTconnect Asked:

What teaching method(s) would you like to implement or have you started to use to teach chemistry?

You answered on Facebook:

The use of "lab stations" or "mini labs" for a variety of chemistry topics.
Kathy K.

I would love to hear from other teachers about lab practicals and alternative assessments in the chemistry classroom!
Sam C.

You answered on Twitter:

I absolutely love using SBG* in my classroom. Definitely worth the switch!
@chschemcrazy

*SBG = standards based grading

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Editorial

One Volume Down, Many More to Come

It’s hard to believe the last issue of the first volume of Chemistry Solutions is here. I know what you’re thinking: What am I going to do without a new issue until September? The good news is that the back issues are always available, and we have plenty of opportunities for you to stay involved with AACT!

Simulation

Heating Curve of Water

In the May 2015 issue, students explore the heating curve for water from a qualitative and quantitative perspective. Students compare illustrations of each physical state depicted on the curve and calculate the energy required to transition from one state to another.

Chemistry Fun

Chemistry Fun

Compound Interest's Andy Brunning shares the inforgraphics that started it all.