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In My Element | November 2016 From Corporate Scientist to Classroom Teacher
Read about the author's transition from a corporate chemist to a high school science teacher. Through her journey, she discovers a desire to empower disenfranchised minorities and encourage their inclusion and success in STEM related careers.
Tech Tips | November 2016 Using Wikis to Promote Engagement in a Chemistry Lab
Wikis can be used as a technology tool for differentiating a chemistry lab so it's engaging to all students. In this article the author explains how to build a classroom wiki page to use with students. He also explores ways to assess students’ tasks completed during the lab.
Tech Tips | November 2016 Simple Technology Strategies to Improve the Lab Experience
Learn how to incorporate a few simple strategies to improve data sharing, pre-lab preparation and post-lab discussion in the chemistry lab. The author discusses the use of Google Forms, and the integration of videos and simulations.
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.
Resource Feature | November 2016 A Map to Solving Limiting Reactant Problems
Teach struggling students how to determine the limiting reactant in a stoichiometry problem with this method. Through the use of arrows and corresponding steps, students are given appropriate guidance for completing these complicated calculations.
Nuts & Bolts | May 2015 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.
Resource Feature | September 2016 Tools and Strategies for Teaching Lab Report Writing
One of the critical skills expected from any science graduate is the ability to write coherent and meaningful laboratory reports. Many chemistry students come to their first- and even second-year classes with an incomplete understanding of how to write high quality formal lab reports. We have developed some tools and strategies that may be helpful in this endeavor.
Classroom Commentary | September 2016 The Value of Chemistry in a STEM Focused World
Chemistry teachers often find themselves in the center of the STEM programs within their schools. In this article, we look at what STEM education means and what the focus of our STEM programs should be. The roles of the chemistry teacher and the chemistry classroom are key to the STEM agenda, and we see how our curriculum contributes to a STEM-prepared workforce.
Tech Tips | May 2016 BYOD
The author explains how her bring-your-own-device (BYOD) classroom works and how it helps her manage her classroom while also sharing tips, tricks, favorite apps, and websites.
Resource Feature | May 2016 Getting Young Students Excited about Science
Have you considered teaching chemistry to your elemenatry students? This fifth grade teacher shows how easy it is to introduce chemistry into the elementary school classroom. She reviews several You Be The Chemist® activities, and explains why her students love them.
Nuts & Bolts | September 2016 Starting off on the Right Foot
Want to hit the ground running as a new AP chemistry teacher? While there’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach to tackling the delivery of an AP chemistry course, here are ten basic things you can do to help yourself before the school year gets underway.
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 | September 2016 President’s Message: Another New School Year, and a Fresh Start
The beginning of a new school year is here, and AACT President Scott Hawkins fondly recalls navigating his first year in the chemistry classroom, 22 years ago. Whether you’re a veteran teacher or are new to the classroom, AACT is a great place to find reliable teaching ideas, professional development opportunities, and many other valuable resources.
Classroom Commentary | May 2016 On Being a Head of Department
How can you be a better, more proactive Department Chair? This article contains suggestions from an author with experience as a Department Chair in three different schools, over a 41-year teaching career.
Nuts & Bolts | September 2016 Keeping the Wow Factor, and Controlling the Risks
This article reviews the safety problems inherent in the “traditional” rainbow experiment and similar demonstrations, the responses from various organizations, and safer alternatives.
Tech Tips | March 2016 A Student Centered, Web Based Approach to Teaching Unit Conversions
Learn about a web-based tutorial that uses a drag and drop interface to teach students how to convert between units of measure. Features include a dimensional analysis approach and immediate feedback for students.
Classroom Commentary | September 2016 Creating a Community in the Chemistry Classroom
Good educators want to design their courses to ensure that every student finds some success, is able to take ownership, and leaves their chemistry class with a stronger sense of community. A guidance counselor may place a student in a classroom, but a sense of belonging, independence and mastery will give them reasons to take ownership and find success. This article explains a few ways in which the author has designed her classroom and chemistry courses to achieve these goals. By Kathleen Bernat
Resource Feature | March 2016 Keys for Success in Teaching Chemistry
Teach fundamental chemistry concepts using common items, and discover clever options for finding teaching supplies on a limited budget.
Resource Feature | March 2016 Bringing Real-Life Context to Chemical Math
Using real life examples can elicit and engage student participation. This teacher uses a striking audio clip example from a radio program to demonstrate the importance of scientific notation.
Nuts & Bolts | March 2016 Guest Speakers Bring Science to Life in an Elementary Classroom
This fifth grade teacher in Michigan works with practicing scientists to reinforce science skills, concepts, and vocabulary with his students.
Nuts & Bolts | March 2016 Incorporating CCSS and NGSS into Introductory Chemistry Investigations
Science investigations provide a natural setting for students to develop their reading and writing skills. Two teachers explain how to transform chemistry investigations to address both Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards, using the Science Writing Heuristic template.
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.
Resource Feature | November 2014 A Cracking Good Reaction
Eliminate safety concerns of cracking hydrocarbons in a classroom setting by doing the reaction with a microscale set up.
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.