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.
collaborative/cooperative learning
Using the Talk Science Primer in a Chemistry Classroom
Michelle Okroy | Tue, 04/05/2016 - 22:06
While attending a professional development session last year I was introduced to the Talk Science Primer, developed by the Inquiry Project and TERC. Although the research and sample population targeted educators and students grades three through five, I decided to review the material to analyze if it had any value in a chemistry classroom.
Group Work Dilemma - What Would You Do?
Tracy Schloemer | Sun, 03/06/2016 - 18:49
There have been a TON of great ideas for guided inquiry (modeling instruction, POGIL, Target Inquiry, etc.). I do a ton of guided inquiry in my classroom. I have engaged in professional development on facilitating group work (through POGIL) and read what I hear is THE book on group work (which really is quite good- “Designing Groupwork”).
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.
Inquiry, "Sticky Water" and some great models...
Chad Husting | Sun, 01/17/2016 - 20:05
I just completed covering "ionic and covalent" bonding with my studenets. I wanted to bridge the gap to intermolecular forces. I found a great lab called "Sticky Water" from Target Inquiry - Grand Valley State.(link is external) Before I continue, I have to provide "full disclosure". I spent three years with the Target Inquiry Program at Miami University Ohio. There is a lab called "Sticky Water" that was written by a teacher in the Grand Valley State program. First, the activity focuses on just water, then ethane, then ethanol.
How Running a STEM Club Benefits My Classroom
Ryan Schoenborn | Wed, 01/06/2016 - 21:03
I run an after school STEM club that involves many projects and activities. Students build robots for FIRST Robotics, race RC cars, use 3D printers, and build underwater vehicles. They dissect specimens, and create biodiesel from vegetable oil. So why would I bring this up on the Chemed Xchange? Our science club does chemistry activities, we are an ACS Chem Clubs, but I think there are many other benefits to this kind of club.
Chemistry Thus Far . . .
Michelle Okroy | Wed, 12/30/2015 - 19:26
Using a whiteboard or poster paper each group of students creates their interpretation of the model thus far based on a content unit they are given.
Relative Reactivities of Metals
Dan Meyers | Thu, 12/17/2015 - 14:37
Last winter I watched a webinar put on by ACS and AACT called "NGSS in the Chemistry Classroom." As a result of watching that webinar, I took an activity that had NGSS Science & Engineering Practices (SEP) integrated into it and tried it out in class. In this activity, students are required to develop their own procedures and data tables.
Blended Learning Pilot: #1
Dan Meyers | Fri, 12/11/2015 - 12:34
Last year, I researched and practiced what I thought to be "flipping the classroom". But, now that I am taking part in a district-wide "High School Blended Learning Pilot", I can say that I was attempting blended learning early in my teaching career. You see, the flipped classroom is really a small subtype of blended learning. So, the goal of this post is to define blended learning and share what my professional development has in store for me during this academic year.
Concept Mapping as a Review Tool
Shannon Bowen | Thu, 12/10/2015 - 10:29
It is the time of year that content exams loom large and student stress is high. A few years ago I decided to ditch the typical review packet for something else - an open ended, student led, collaborative concept mapping project and I am never going back to the old way!