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Tech Tips | March 2017 Using Google Forms for Remediation
This article, written in lab report format, discusses the use of Google Forms for online quizzes in the chemistry classroom. The author summarizes her experiences and methodology for using these quizzes in her classroom, and includes a link to a step-by-step video guide for creating quizzes as well as tips for implementing them in your classroom.
Classroom Commentary | March 2017 Bridging the Observable to the Atom: Teaching Chemistry to PreK-12 Students
In order to support children’s understanding of matter throughout their primary and secondary education, it's necessary to design instruction using the tetrahedral model representations in which students recognize the multiple levels of thought and contextualize learning in the everyday level. This article aims to help teachers understand the learning progressions in light of the tetrahedral model representation through NGSS and other curriculum documents.
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.
Nuts & Bolts | March 2017 Peer Instruction for AP Chemistry
Peer Instruction has been described as a research-based teaching method that leverages the power of social interaction to drive learning. PI can be a powerful tool for helping students learn the challenging concepts that are integral components of AP Chemistry. This article summarizes the process of PI and research that supports it, and provides guidelines for writing quality multiple choice questions.
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.
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.
Tech Tips | March 2017 Using Virtual Labs to Enhance AP Curriculum
This article uses several topics related to the AP chemistry curriculum, such as general equilibrium and thermodynamics, to illustrate how virtual lab assignments and activities can be designed to enhance the AP chemistry curriculum and meet specific learning objectives.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.