December 2016 ChemEd X Newsletter

Especially JCE - December 2016

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 JCE 93.12—December Issue Highlights.

Silver Plated Ornaments

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. 

Dry-Ice-in-water cloud

"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. 

An Easy Copper Electroplating Demo for your Redox Unit

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. 

Material Science, Percent Composition & Copper

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. 

Developing a Cooking Chemistry Elective

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 Cooking Chemistry - Additional Resources providing even more resources.

Hach Professional Development Grant

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 ChemEd in South Dakota next summer (July 23 - 27, 2017)!