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Classroom Commentary | May 2017 Finding Chemistry Connections in Climate Change
The scientific evidence that underlies global warming and climate change has many connections with common chemistry topics. Incorporating global warming and climate change concepts into your curriculum gives context to the importance of understanding chemistry, and can help students develop a better understanding of why chemistry truly is the central science.
Nuts & Bolts | May 2017 There’s More to the New Safety Data Sheets than a Missing “M”
Safety in the chemistry lab is a concern for all teachers, regardless of years of experience. In 2015, major changes occurred to chemical labels and SDS in the US, however, many people that work and teach with chemicals are still fuzzy on the details. This article aims to increase your comfort level with SDSs by describing the timeline, some changes over the last 5 years, pros/cons of the newer format, related hazard communication issues, and providing info on other available resources.
Simulation | May 2017 Isotopes & Calculating Average Atomic Mass
In the May 2017 simulation, students first learn how the average atomic mass is determined through a tutorial based on the isotope abundance for Carbon. Students will then interact within a workspace where they will select the number of isotopes, the mass of each isotope as well as their abundancies in order to successfully build a mystery element. Finally they will use their choices to calculate the average atomic mass of the mystery element.
Editorial | May 2017 The Future Looks Bright
AACT President Scott Hawkins reflects fondly on his year as AACT president, the accomplishments of AACT, and the promise for a bright future. He also shares news about upcoming events, governing board election results, and member benefits.
Resource Feature | March 2017 Take Home Labs: Making Science Real
It’s an ongoing question: how do we provide students with more lab time? One answer is to introduce take home labs. In this article, the author explains how take home labs can fit into your curriculum to cover new material, review material, or provide extra credit, and how they provide increased exposure to science in our everyday world.
Nuts & Bolts | March 2017 Four Strategies for More Effective Labs
Learn four strategies for effectively connecting chemistry lessons to lab activities. This article will explore flipping the pre-lab, incorporating claim-evidence-reasoning in the hypothesis and conclusion, implementing a class discussion during inquiry labs, and developing lab quizzes.
Editorial | March 2017 Passion and Involvement Are Keys to Success
AACT governing board member and retired chemistry teacher Regis Goode reflects on her years in the classroom, as well as her many positive experiences with ACS during her career. She encourages current teachers to get more involved in leadership by joining a committee or running for a governing board position.
Simulation | March 2017 Half-Life Investigation
In the March 2017 simulation, students will have the opportunity to investigate the decay of two samples of unstable atoms. Students will interact with the simulation in order to decay the unstable samples resulting in a visual and graphical interpretation of half-life.
Editorial | September 2014 Welcome, Charter Members!
Well, it’s finally here. Something chemistry teachers have been anticipating for years. Welcome, charter members, to the American Association of Chemistry Teachers (AACT)! This is the inagural editorial of Chemistry Solution and addresses the goals of AACT, including safety, building community, and embracing all teachers of chemistry.
Editorial | November 2016 How a Little Luck and Some Get-Up-and-Go Made Me a Better Teacher
Veteran chemistry teacher and AACT governing board member Roxie Allen reflects on her teaching career and active involvement in various professional teaching organizations. She emphasizes the value of being involved, and encourages other teachers to grow outside their classroom.
Editorial | May 2016 It Takes a Teaching Community
As the end of another school year approaches, Chemistry Solutions editor Emily Bones reflects on her first year back in the classroom, and the unique cycle that is teaching. As you make plans to recharge and rethink your plans for next year, remember the AACT website is a great starting point.
Classroom Commentary | May 2016 Reflections of a Mentor Teacher
A veteran teacher reflects on the valuable, unexpected, and rewarding learning experience of being a mentor to a student teacher. He encourages you to consider hosting an intern for a school year.
Editorial | March 2016 Keeping it Real
Chemistry Solutions editor Emily Bones reflects on her first semester back in the classroom, and discovers the key to keeping her students engaged.
Nuts & Bolts | November 2016 Essential Questions
Essential questions are not only important components of quality teaching and learning, but their open-ended nature can also set the stage for launching into engaging classroom debates. The author provides resources and ideas for implementing this interactive style of learning into your chemistry classroom.
Nuts & Bolts | November 2014 Strategies for Increasing Student Engagement
Increase student engagement and promote critical-thinking skills through positive student–teacher relationships, chemical demonstrations, and student discussions.
Editorial | November 2014 It's All Right if You Don't Know, Just Be Safe!
Safety is always a primary focus for AACT. Every activity available on our website has a section devoted to safety. Some precautions may seem obvious, but they are there to avoid incidents like the ones we’ve recently heard about.
Editorial | September 2015 So Many Firsts
September 2 marked the one year anniversary of AACT and Chemistry Solutions. Read about this year of firsts from the editor.
Classroom Commentary | November 2015 Embracing the Spirit of the Next Generation Science Standards
This article reflects on the ways teachers are being challenged to design curriculum and implement the Next Generation Science Standards. There is an opportunity to demonstrate life-long learning and implement ways for students to create value in their knowledge and find joy in the learning process.
Editorial | May 2015 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!
Nuts & Bolts | May 2015 Lab Cleanup in 15 Minutes a Day
Simple steps all busy teachers can take to clean and organize their prep room.
Editorial | March 2015 Same Content, Updated Mechanism
Even though chemistry content hasn’t changed in a way that affects a K–12 curriculum in more than 100 years, how we teach students now looks very different than it did 25 years ago.
Editorial | November 2015 Bringing Technology into the Chemistry Classroom
Chemistry Solutions editor Emily Bones explains why more and more, technology is a chemistry teacher's greatest tool.
Classroom Commentary | March 2015 Chromebook Chemistry
Read about a chemistry teacher's transition from a traditional teaching model to a technology-based model using Chromebooks as learning tools for every student.
Classroom Commentary | September 2014 Getting Started
How do you plan to teach a new course or a course new to you? A teacher with 40+ years of experience provides some advice to map out the year, taking into account roadblocks you may experience along the way.
Simulation | November 2016 Energy Changes in Chemical Reactions
In the November 2016 simulation, students will evaluate the energy changes in an endothermic and an exothermic chemical reaction. Students will have the opportunity to compare how energy is absorbed and released in each reaction, and will make a connection between the standard energy diagrams associated with each reaction type.