Michael Jansen's blog

The Required Skills to Balancing Redox Equations—Logical and Easy

Michael Jansen | Fri, 09/26/2025 - 11:12

required-skills-balancing-redox-equations—logical-and-easy.png

Balancing redox reactions doesn’t have to feel like a guess-and-check process. Once students master oxidation numbers, they can follow a clear “script” to keep every atom, charge, and electron on cue—even in acidic solutions like Fe²⁺/MnO₄⁻ → Fe³⁺/Mn²⁺. This article shares a student-ready, color-coded, animated PPT and a step-by-step routine (LEO/GER, electron equalization, H₂O/H⁺ balance) that turns messy equations into solvable scenes.

An Empirically-Based and Logical Approach to Teaching the Oxidation Number Concept

Michael Jansen | Sun, 08/24/2025 - 12:32

empirically-based-and-logical-approach-teaching-oxidation-number-concept.png

Oxidation-Reduction (Redox) reactions, also referred to as electron-transfer reactions, are common. So common, in fact, that four of the five general reaction types studied in Honors Chemistry involve the transfer of electrons. In this post, lead contributor Michael Jansen outlines three approaches to teaching electron transfer and Redox reactions.

A Knowledge of Electrolysis Thwarts a Scam

Michael Jansen | Sun, 07/27/2025 - 11:55

knowledge-electrolysis-thwarts-scam.png

This post describes an engaging, thought-provoking capstone activity for the Redox/Electrochemistry unit in AP Chemistry¹. It may be used as a homework assignment, a collaborative in-class assignment, or as a challenging test or exam question.² It can also be used as a hands-on and MINDS-ON laboratory activity or teacher demonstration.

A Critical Look at Units

Michael Jansen | Sun, 05/18/2025 - 10:23

critical-look-units.png

In this blog, Michael Jansen considers the significance of using proper units and their role in helping students develop a conceptual understanding of Chemistry.

A Logical Order of Topics for Honors Chemistry and AP Chemistry

Michael Jansen | Fri, 04/04/2025 - 10:23

logical-order-topics-honors-chemistry and-ap-chemistry.png

In this post, a veteran AP Chemistry teacher explains his rationale for the course's topic order. By using an empirically driven sequence, students build deep conceptual understanding and rely less on memorization of facts. It’s a must-read for any educator aiming to make chemistry more meaningful—and more memorable—for students.