December 2016 ChemEd X Newsletter

Dear Readers,

December is always a time of reflection for me. In the teaching portion of my life, I think of what has worked in my classroom thus far and what I need to improve upon. I write notes to myself on my files so that I will remember to make necessary changes. Sometimes that means doing some research to find the perfect activity or strategy. I hope that you have found some of those here at ChemEd X. But, if you are looking for something and you are not able to find it, please contact us and allow us to do some of the footwork for you. If we don't have the resource you are looking for, we can solicit our ChemEd X community for help. Please use our to communicate with us.

D. Cullen

     

Erica Jacobsen regularly highlights JCE articles that are of special interest to high school teachers. This month, she considers an activity involving metric measurements and comparison of units that is intended for the visually impaired. 

If you would like to explore the whole issue in more depth, check out Mary Saecker's Highlights.

     

This is a fun activity to do anytime of the year. The glass ornament balls can be purchased inexpensively during the holiday season. The Tollen's test can be linked to curriculum when discussing aldehydes, electrochemistry and/or oxidation and reduction. 

     

"Have you ever wondered where the cloud comes from when dry ice is placed in water?" Tom Kuntzleman poses the question and provides an in depth explanation that might surprise you. 

 

     

Lowell Thomson shares an electroplating demo in his most recent blog. He found it easy to set up and perform. It might be a catalyst for student exploration into the topic. 

 

     

It is always helpful to bring material science into the classroom so that students can reflect on how chemistry can be found all around them. Even a fairly simple demonstration with a soda pop can will provide discussion about products we use everyday. 

     

Tracy Schloemer shares how she developed her Cooking Chemistry elective course and reflects on how it evolved. 

She followed up her original blog post with  providing even more resources.

 

     

Time is running out to apply for the Hach Professional Development Grant. January 4th is the deadline. This would be an excellent source of funding to attend next summer (July 23 - 27, 2017)!

     

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