Blogs

ChemEd X contributors offer their ideas and opinions on a broad spectrum of topics pertaining to chemical education.

Blogs at ChemEd X reflect the opinions of the contributors and are open to comments. Only selected contributors blog at ChemEd X. If you would like to blog regularly at ChemEd X, please use our Contribution form to request an invitation to do so from one of our editors.

by Joseph Lomax
Mon, 04/01/2024 - 15:25

The connections between Acid-Base and Redox reactions already exist. How so? Let's find out.

Recent activity: 6 months 2 weeks ago
by Melissa Hemling
Sun, 03/31/2024 - 23:48

In this enrichment activity, students research elements to prove that their element is the most lethal of all in the March Madness Element Bracket.

Recent activity: 8 months 4 weeks ago
by Dean Campbell
Wed, 03/27/2024 - 20:42

Polylactic acid (PLA) exhibits a glass transition from hard and brittle to soft and rubbery when immersed in boiling water. PLA-based structures containing a small metal object can be used as rattles when they are shaken. The sound of the rattles change when they are heated above or cooled below their glass transition, enabling them to be used as demonstrations.

Recent activity: 9 months 3 days ago
by Nora Walsh
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 09:08

This quick / low-prep stoichiometry lab helps students visualize why they must convert mass into moles before performing stoichiometry calculations. 

Recent activity: 9 months 3 weeks ago
by Tom Kuntzleman
Wed, 02/28/2024 - 13:59

Pharaoh's serpent is the name of a very interesting chemical reaction that produces a snake-like foam. Unfortunately, it requires the use of a toxic mercury compound. Explore this very similar reaction that can be achieved quite simply by using fuel tablets and calcium gluconate tablets and learn a lot about the chemistry that is involved!

Comments: 3
Recent activity: 8 months 1 week ago
by Ashley Green
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 10:30

Ashley Green shares how she recently changed up her nomenclature unit by asking her students to look for patterns in names and formulas.

Recent activity: 10 months 1 week ago
by Kristen Drury
Thu, 02/15/2024 - 07:27

Students may have been using the metric system as early as in elementary school, so why do they struggle to use it in first year chemistry class in high school? This is a quick idea to help you reintroduce the metric system in your class.

Recent activity: 10 months 1 week ago
by Dean Campbell
Fri, 02/02/2024 - 15:14

Dean Campbell uses demonstrations and props to illustrate concepts while teaching his collegiate Materials Chemistry course. Many of the examples described are also suitable for use in high school and collegiate General Chemistry courses. 

Recent activity: 10 months 3 weeks ago
by Hannah Sevian
Wed, 01/31/2024 - 10:44

The objective of the multi-country IUPAC Chemistry Teacher Survey is to improve understanding of the use of practical work in high school chemistry classes related to concepts of sustainability. 

Recent activity: 10 months 4 weeks ago
by Dean Campbell
Fri, 01/26/2024 - 11:09

Have a 3D printer? Make some 3D printed models of various carbon allotropes!

Recent activity: 11 months 4 days ago