Using Phenomena in Testing
Nora Walsh | Wed, 10/25/2023 - 07:05
Nora Walsh reflects on her experience using phenomena in her chemistry courses and assessments for the first time.
Chemistry
Burning paper towels soaked in various metal nitrates
Tom Kuntzleman | Mon, 10/16/2023 - 13:04
Igniting paper towels that have been soaked in concentrated potassium nitrate and allowed to dry yields a flame reminiscent of that produced by guncotton. Repeating this experiment with other metal nitrates produces flames with different colors, plus a few other chemical surprises! This series of experiments is fascinating and connects to a wide variety of chemical topics including combustion, redox reactions, chemical thermodynamics, and flame tests. You don't want to miss this one!
Lets’ Get Real: The Law of Definite Proportions
Michael Jansen | Wed, 10/04/2023 - 14:50
Demonstrate the Law of Definite Proportions by quickly and easily preparing one or more esters!
My Modified Grading Strategy
Anthony Stetzenmeyer | Tue, 10/03/2023 - 13:23
Anthony Stetzenmeyer's grading strategy provides an alternative option to offering required retakes on summative assessments. It has the added bonus of helping his AP chemistry students prepare for the AP exam while learning to cut their losses.
Unit Cells and Layer Sequences using Dimpled Packaging
Dean Campbell | Sun, 10/01/2023 - 09:07
Regularly dimpled trays such as those used in food packaging can be used to represent layers of atoms in solid structures. For example, the square array of dimples in transparent plastic mini quiche trays can be used to depict layers within cubic or tetragonal unit cells. Multiple solid structures and ways to represent those structures are described.
Effective—and Proven—Test-Taking Strategies
Michael Jansen | Mon, 09/25/2023 - 12:46
Michael Jansen offers test taking strategies for students.
Effective Recruiting that Led to a Decline in Diversity
Chadwick Young | Sun, 09/24/2023 - 13:05
Find out more about Nicholls State University Department of Chemistry's recruiting program involving a Roadshow and Field Days and its impact on diversity in the chemistry program.
Water You Thinking? Bringing the Chemistry and Biology of Water to Middle-Schoolers
Dean Campbell | Sun, 09/24/2023 - 10:18
Description of a Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP) course for middle-school students about the chemistry and biology of water.
Nobel Laureate Crossword Puzzle 1971 - 1980
Thomas Manning | Thu, 09/21/2023 - 14:37
This Nobel Laureate crossword puzzle focuses on prizes awarded between 1971 and 1980. Learn and revisit some historical chemistry, terminology and background on key historical figures in this field. This is our eighth in a series of Nobel Laureate crossword puzzles.
Refresh and Reinforce: Water Maze Challenge Brain Break Activity
Melissa Hemling | Mon, 09/18/2023 - 08:42
Brain Breaks are powerful tools in education, supported by research showing improved focus, retention, community building, and reduced stress among students. When structured using chemistry principles, like in the Water Maze Race, brain breaks can also introduce or reinforce fundamental chemistry concepts.