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Why did you join Teams?

Started about 7 years ago by Carla Saunders.

Jennifer brought up a really good topic in the introduction thread, and I thought it might be good to start a new discussion for it. I'm wondering what you all are hoping for from this group (demos, general questions, specific topics you cover, or anything else), or why you hoped joining teams would be beneficial to you. Once I know what you all are looking for I'll be able to serve you better!

Just to tell you all a bit about me, I wanted to be a part of the teams because I love sharing my love of chemistry. I first got really excited about chemistry after having one great teacher, and if I can help someone else get excited about learning science I'd be over the moon.

I have experience teaching college students and doing outreach events (single day/ several hour demos or lessons) at high schools and middle schools, as well as a few children's parties. I also am currently studying for my PhD in chemistry, so I have lots of hands on experience (which hopefully will be of use to you guys).

I look forward to helping you guys in any way I can!

4 Comments

  • Carla Saunders

    Posted about 7 years ago

    Diana - Demo Fridays sound like a great idea. There are a lot of really good resources for new demos, including the ACS website (https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/whatischemistry/adventures-in-chemistry/experiments.html and https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/students/highschool/chemistryclubs/activities.html.html) and the Journal of Chemical Education. I get really excited about planning demos, so I'll put together some of the resources I've developed and pass them along in the next week or so. Most of the demos I do are geared toward younger kids (grade school - early middle school), but the demos can usually be adjusted for an older audience!

  • Carla Saunders

    Posted about 7 years ago

    Hi Jennifer. I've done several demos, but my current favorite is discussing ocean acidification. I use a basic solution with universal indicator, then slowly add in dry ice. I talk about sublimation, as well as acid base chemistry. Then I'll use cabbage water indicator to let students test the pH of different household acids/bases. It works well with grades ~5-10, depending on how in depth you go. Then explosions are always good for demos - elephant's toothpaste is a good one (and pretty safe).

  • Diana Simpson

    Posted about 7 years ago

    I joined teams to learn more about Chemistry, which I love and have been teaching for over 30 years! I always gain insight into another part of Chemistry, no matter with whom I converse--any new bit of info is a golden nugget to include in my next lesson, demo or year of the course. I do Demo Fridays with my students as much as possible, so love learning about new demos I can showcase. I am always looking for new labs to introduce and change out with my 'tried & true' ones. I am looking forward to a fun and rewarding experience with the three of you!

  • Jennifer Smith

    Posted about 7 years ago

    Just out of curiosity, what types of demos did you do at children's parties? Sometimes I am able to have professors from a local community college come and perform experiments for my students. The students really enjoy it. I joined teams so I could find out how other teachers were addressing specific chemistry topics in their classrooms. I also wanted to be able to receive feedback on what I am doing in the classroom. Additionally, I want to make sure that what we are doing in class is accurate and has connections to the world beyond my classroom. Jennifer