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 Tom Kuntzleman
Sat, 09/07/2024 - 11:17

This chemical reaction is just plain weird...but also beautiful!

Recent activity: 1 month 6 days ago
by Dean Campbell
Wed, 08/21/2024 - 12:41

Syenite rocks containing sodalite that fluoresce yellow have been found on Lake Superior beaches in recent years and are of interest to collectors. The fluorescence of this mineral, which can be found in other localities, can be shown in classrooms and studied spectroscopically. Its structure can also be modeled with LEGO bricks, enabling further classroom connections.

Recent activity: 1 month 3 weeks ago
by Anthony Stetzenmeyer
Wed, 08/07/2024 - 09:33

As the summer is coming to an end - here is how one AP Teacher has his students navigate the start of AP chemistry.

Recent activity: 2 months 1 week ago
by Melissa Hemling
Tue, 08/06/2024 - 22:33

Looking for a fun way to teach gas laws? Try using brain breaks! Activities like the Longest Straw Challenge and Suck it Up Skittles Challenge not only get students up and moving but also make learning Boyle's Law engaging and memorable.

Recent activity: 2 months 1 week ago
by Melissa Hemling
Fri, 07/26/2024 - 22:46

Discover how "Solubility Showdown," a lively brain break game, transforms learning solubility rules into a memorable experience filled with student banter and excitement.

Recent activity: 2 months 2 weeks ago
by Melissa Hemling
Thu, 07/25/2024 - 21:37

The Ion Chip Challenge is an interactive brain break game where students play rock-paper-scissors to exchange electron chips, helping them understand ion formation by addressing common misconceptions about positive and negative charges. This engaging activity combines movement and social interaction, making chemistry concepts more accessible and reinforcing that ions are formed through the transfer of electrons, not protons.

Recent activity: 2 months 2 weeks ago
by Dean Campbell
Wed, 07/24/2024 - 17:11

Grinding solid colorless phenolphthalein indicator and solid colorless magnesium hydroxide base can produce a reaction that causes the mixture to turn pink.

Recent activity: 2 months 3 weeks ago
by Tom Kuntzleman
Tue, 07/16/2024 - 07:01

How do Melissa & Doug’s “Water WOW!” Water Reveal coloring books work? Let's do some experiments to find out!

Recent activity: 3 months 1 hour ago
by David Cash
Sun, 06/30/2024 - 10:13

A question set about an effervescent antacid formulation unpacks what is occurring both qualitatively and quantitatively. The student will review and apply formulas, balanced equations, percentage elemental compositions, mass-mass calculations, mole-mole calculations, theoretical yield, and limiting reagent.

Recent activity: 3 months 1 week ago
by Dean Campbell
Sat, 06/29/2024 - 13:56

Helical structures can be built from media such as LEGO bricks and paper. These structures can be used to model helical structures in chemistry. These include circularly polarized light and various helical biomolecules.

Recent activity: 3 months 1 week ago