AACT Workshops at BCCE 2026

REGISTER FOR BCCE

Join AACT at BCCE this year! BCCE is happening on July 26 – 30, 2026 in Madison, Wisconsin. Take a sneak peek at the sessions we will be offering below. See the BCCE 2026 schedule to save sessions you are interested in attending. We will also have a booth in the exhibit hall, so stop by and pick up some great swag!

Sunday, July 26th

• Birds of a Feather Session
  5:30 - 6:30 PM, Memorial Union 4304/4306
  
  Come talk with other American Association of Chemistry Teachers (AACT) members and teachers. Stay for the teaching stories, learning how AACT can help you, and making new friends!

Monday, July 27th

• American Association of Chemistry Teachers (AACT) Resources for AP Chemistry
  Scott Hawkins, St. Ignatius High School
  8:30 - 10:00 AM, Chemistry B333
  
  This hands-on, lab-based workshop shares lessons, labs, and activities drawn from select AP Chemistry units. Topics focus on challenging concepts such as entropy, enthalpy, equilibrium and equilibrium constants, titrations, and related content areas.

• Educating Students about Careers as Chemical Technical Professionals
  Roxanne Spencer, Ranney School
  10:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Chemistry B333
  
  This workshop introduces educators to resources that support chemistry students pursuing careers in the Skilled Technical Workforce (STW), defined as STEM careers requiring specialized training but not four-year degrees. The session is designed for secondary chemistry teachers and two-year community college instructors.

Tuesday, July 28th

• Teaching Essential Chemistry Content with High-Impact Labs and Demonstrations
  Shannon Smith, The Summit Country Day School
  8:30 - 10:00 AM, Chemistry B357
  
  Selecting effective laboratory activities and demonstrations can be challenging, particularly when balancing student engagement with conceptual depth. This workshop highlights three high-impact labs and demonstrations that have consistently increased student curiosity and improved conceptual understanding in introductory chemistry courses.

Wednesday, July 29th

• Chemistry in Blue: Cyanotyping
  Kelley Donaghy and Nejra Malanovic, American Chemical Society
  8:30 - 10:00 AM or 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Location TBA
  
  This session introduces high school chemistry teachers to National Historic Chemical Landmark stories and lessons. These ACS-created lessons provide historical context for many common chemistry concepts, helping students develop a deeper understanding of how chemistry shapes the world today and craft short written responses to demonstrate mastery.

• Talk: Exploring and Applying Science Writing using the American Chemical Society's Landmark Lessons
  Scott Hawkins, St. Ignatius High School
  10:35 - 10:55 AM, Location TBA
  
  This session introduces high school chemistry teachers to National Historic Chemical Landmark stories and lessons. These ACS-created lessons provide historical context for many common chemistry concepts, helping students develop a deeper understanding of how chemistry shapes the world today and craft short written responses to demonstrate mastery.

Thursday, July 30th

• Talk: Lab Safety for the Beginning of the School Year
  Shannon Smith, The Summit Country Day School
  11:15 - 11:35 AM, Location TBA
  
  Are you looking for ways to engage your high school students in lab safety activities when you return to school in the fall? Do you want to become more knowledgeable about managing a safe chemistry lab? Would you like to try new lab activities that are budget conscious and environmentally friendly? Look no further than the American Association of Chemistry Teachers (AACT)'s resources!
  

AACT Happy Hour - TBD
Time and Location TBA

There will be drink tickets for the first 50 attendees, appetizers, raffle prizes, and time to chat with other AACT members!