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Modeling Classic Atomic Theory I: Where do Element Masses Come From?

Paul Price | Mon, 09/29/2025 - 08:42

What if your students derived the periodic table’s masses before they ever learned about moles? This piece reframes “classic” atomic theory as a data-driven approach to building O:C ratios, uncovering the law of definite proportions, and explaining why oxygen’s relative mass is 16 when carbon's is 12. The result is a historically grounded, quantitative model of Dalton’s ideas that makes atomic theory feel discovered—not delivered.

Social Justice Science Issues and NGSS

Nina Hike | Sun, 10/20/2024 - 14:41

How can chemistry address real-world issues? Explore how teaching Social Justice Science Issues helps students connect chemistry to their local communities. By integrating student community-centered storylines, teachers can engage students in critical thinking about chemistry topics and how they apply to their everyday lives. 

Build a Boat Collaboration

Kristin Gregory | Sat, 08/08/2020 - 18:05

As many teachers are preparing to teach online, we are revisiting posts from the ChemEd X archives like this one that might be of help. The original Build a Boat challenge was used to help create a classroom culture of teamwork and growth mindset. The author has updated the Build a Boat activity by providing a modified slide show presentation specifically to help those teaching remotely this fall. 

Drawing Particulate Models

Ann Gardner | Wed, 05/30/2018 - 11:48

Embracing the idea that students already create an image, create an idea, of what is happening when they observe a demonstration, lab or activity. The goal is to have the students make that model more concrete through drawing it.

Tackling Big Ideas

Chad Husting | Fri, 09/02/2016 - 11:38

It was the empty terrible feeling in the pit of my stomach at 9:30 at night that really bothered me as I am wading through the stack of papers that I was grading. I had the students do experiments, worksheets, I lectured and there was homework. Some of the students could “do” what I thought was science. They could calculate the answer. They could balance the equation.