Chemistry Solutions
September 2022
Featured Article
Resource Feature
Using the National Historic Chemical Landmarks Lessons in the Chemistry Classroom
This article highlights the National Historic Chemical Landmarks program from the American Chemical Society, and aims to make teachers aware of the growing collection of lesson plans that are centered around select Landmarks for use in the high school chemistry classroom. The lesson plans provide a unique combination of science, history, and literacy while featuring significant scientific achievements and discoveries.
Classroom Commentary
Reflections and perspectives by teachers about topics that affect chemistry education.
Learning science at middle and high school level should stimulate curiosity and engagement. Many new teachers, and also those who have been teaching for a while, can feel overwhelmed and consequently miss opportunities to help their students truly experience the wonderment and awe of science. This article suggests small modifications in pedagogy that can make a big difference in how students learn science in the classroom, and seeks to inspire teachers to rethink and re-evaluate their pedagogy approach.
Nuts & Bolts
Functional tips you can implement in your classroom.
In this article, the author describes her interest and recent success with her implementation of Project-Based Learning (PBL) in the chemistry classroom. She discusses her experience using PBL and what motivates her to continue using the approach. She also provides an overview of some successful chemistry units that are designed with PBL in mind.
In My Element
Stories about teachers finding their way to the chemistry classroom.
In this article, the author shares about the influences and circumstances that led her to a career in teaching. Additionally, she brings light to the demographics and flavor of the Rio Grande Valley region of Texas, and why she feels it is the perfect fit for her as a chemistry teacher.
Reprint Spotlight
A previously published article from Chemistry Solutions that is particularly relevant to readers.
Nuts & Bolts
Tips for Surviving and Thriving in Your First Years as a Chemistry Teacher
This article provides tips for finding success as a new chemistry teacher. Tips include helpful organizational advice and lab logistics for teachers who are navigating their first few years of teaching.
Teacher 2 Teacher
@AACTconnect asked:
Teachers, as you start this school year, what is one piece of advice that you would offer to a new chemistry or science teacher? #teacher2teacher#iteachchem #chemchat #apchem #chemed pic.twitter.com/Jqd4WGgaGj
— AACT (@AACTconnect) August 17, 2022
You Answered:
Do every lab and demo before you do it in front of students. It’s okay if you don’t know the answer- look it up and teach it tomorrow! Teach with your heart. If the kids know you care, they will care too!
Observe teachers from all content areas to learn different teaching techniques to add to your teacher tool box.
Avoid any demonstrations involving burning methanol. As much as possible, get kids in the lab learning skills doing experiments that complement what you’re teaching in class.
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Editorial
AACT President Matt Perekupka addresses the difficult but timely topic of teacher burnout. He shares about the obstacles he has faced as a teacher in recent years, and outlines shared goals for overcoming burnout in the year ahead. Matt emphasizes the importance of having a positive professional network, while also encouraging teachers to be mindful of their personal well-being this year.
Simulation
In this simulation, students will investigate the effects of different solutes, and different amounts of those solutes, on the boiling point and freezing point of a solution. Students will see particle-level animations of boiling and freezing with different types and amounts of solutes, as well as graphical representations of the results of each trial.
Chemistry Fun
In this activity, students will attempt to solve clues related to the chemistry of fabrics. Starting at the center of the maze, students will fill in each word suggested by the 20 given clues. Answering each clue correctly will help students solve the riddle provided at the end of the activity. This puzzle can be used in the classroom as part of the Fabulous Fibers theme celebration for 2022 National Chemistry Week.