November 2017

Featured Article

Classroom Commentary

Part I: Rethinking Common Practices in High School Chemistry

The physical vs. chemical change dichotomy and criteria for classification often taught early in chemistry courses should be removed or delayed until students have a more thorough understanding of the particulate nature of matter.

Resource Features

Lessons by teachers with their inspiration for the activity or tips for how to implement the lesson.

Access is an AACT member benefit. A Particulate Representation of Molarity

In addition to using a simple activity about investigating the differences Kool-Aid concentration and completing molarity calculations, students work with pictures at the particle level to develop a deeper understanding of solutions and molarity.

Nuts & Bolts

Functional tips you can implement in your classroom.

Access is an AACT member benefit. TMI (Too Much Information) in Science

In an age when information comes at us at breakneck-speed, how do we help our students deal with science outside the confines of their standard curriculum — and think critically about alternative arguments to questionable research data?


Access is an AACT member benefit. Integrating NGSS and STEM in the Classroom

As an educator interested in sharing your love of science with your students, how do you incorporate the NGSS and STEM in your classroom? The answer is simple. STEM and NGSS are inherently intertwined, which makes the implementation of NGSS easier. Here is a step-by-step process for how to integrate NGSS and STEM in your chemistry classroom.


Developing Students’ Chemistry Information Skills

Digital literacy is a key skill for 21st century learners, and secondary students need to learn to select appropriate sources when conducting a literature search in chemistry. The author describes an experiential activity to provide experience in searching and assessing chemical information. Using a science news article, students learn to formulate and refine a search question in order to obtain a manageable number of relevant references.

Teacher 2 Teacher

@AACTconnect asked:

You Answered:

"Candy cane chemistry!! Great chance to talk about polymers, tartaric acid/cream of tartar organic structures, etc."
@RyTriGuy

"I have my chemistry students write and sing 'Chemistry Carols'."
@Chemphyscoach

"We love making various concentrations of hot apple cider and hot chocolate."
@TribeChemistry

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Editorial

Lone Ranger, No More!

AACT Governing Board member Jenny Bishoff shares her experience connecting with other teachers of chemistry and encourages members to get involved.

Simulation

Predicting Shifts in Equilibrium: Q vs K

In this simulation, students will take a 15 question quiz. Each quiz question has two parts. The first part requires the student to calculate the value of the reaction quotient, Q. In the second portion of the question, the students will compare the value of Q to the equilibrium constant, K, and predict which way the reaction will shift to reach equilibrium. The simulation includes five different reactions which each have three scenarios: Q > K, Q = K, and Q < K.

Chemistry Fun

Access is an AACT member benefit. Atomic Theory Timeline

In this edition of ChemFun, match famous chemists with their contribution to atomic theory and year of their work.