Geometric Approach to Lewis Structures
Lauren Stewart | Tue, 04/12/2016 - 18:25
Lauren Stewart discusses why she is having her students build 3-D models BEFORE teaching them to draw Lewis structures.
Science Practice: Developing and Using Models
Integrating Three Types of Chemical Representation
Erica Posthuma | Mon, 02/08/2016 - 15:40
This past summer our conversations turned to, “How can we improve our instruction to try and prevent the initial misunderstanding?” We had all read Dorothy Gabel’s article Improving Teaching and Learning Through Chemistry Education Research: A Look to the Future. We were intrigued by the author's description of the three fold system of representing concepts in chemistry.
Great Introduction for Physical/Chemical Changes and Balancing
Chad Husting | Sun, 02/07/2016 - 16:09
I hate to sound like a broken record but I used two activities from Grand Valley State Target Inquiry Program that worked amazingly well and had a great "flow". Chad Bridle wrote two inquiry activities that dovetail together. The first is "Change You Can Believe In". Students are presented first with nine cards that are particulate drawings of changes that occur in matter.
Teaching Kids How to Fail
Erica Posthuma | Mon, 09/07/2015 - 10:54
Last year, I worked hard to teach my students how to fail and I believe it was the most important lesson they could have taken away from my class.
Scientific Practices Post #1: Model Building
Shelly Belleau | Thu, 08/28/2014 - 18:06
Through a series of three blog posts, I’d like to share my thoughts about these scientific practices and how we might communicate about these practices to middle and high school students. I’d love to hear your thoughts along the way! Let’s start with model building…
Build a Boat (and a classroom culture)
Erica Posthuma | Fri, 07/25/2014 - 12:40
This back to school activity can be a valuable way to create a classroom culture of teamwork and growth mindset. Links to a virtual version are included.
PhET has a new Logo, so what does that mean?
Trish Loeblein | Tue, 02/11/2014 - 16:57
Is PhET still free to use? Yes, but you can always make donations or encourage others. https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/1437859
Expo Neon Markers
Doug Ragan | Sun, 11/24/2013 - 13:10
As the trimester comes to an end, I have the chance to reflect with my chemistry students and ask them about course likes and dislikes. A major "like" that came out was the use of the Expo brand neon markers. I had heard about their use from Brian Bennett @bennettscience and how well they show up on the black lab tables.