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
Tue, 02/17/2015 - 10:05

Check out the solution to Chemical Mystery #4: The Case of the Misbehaving Balloon!

Recent activity: 9 months 3 weeks ago
by Sarah Kong
Tue, 02/17/2015 - 09:55

One of the mantras in the article was “Blind people can’t do those things.” Blind people can’t walk without a cane. Blind people can’t climb trees. Blind people can’t go to a regular public school. Blind people can’t do various jobs. Blind people can’t pursue certain careers.

Recent activity: 9 months 3 weeks ago
by Allison Tarvin
Tue, 02/17/2015 - 07:44

Historically, my students report significant figures as one of the most confusing concepts in honors chemistry. My recent blog post described the process of transforming my introduction into an inquiry activity. I’ve also re-worked my practice activities to be more directed to specific student needs, more focused on spending time with small groups, and more dedicated to active learning. This four step tiered plan works for me.

Recent activity: 9 months 3 weeks ago
by Michael Morgan
Tue, 02/10/2015 - 11:07

Hello and welcome to my new blog. I am Michael Morgan and I teach AP Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, Chemistry, and pretty much all things NErDy at Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High School in Los Angeles, CA. I have been teaching for almost 30 years. In Los Angeles I am a rare bird, a chemistry teacher that actually studied chemistry in college.

Recent activity: 9 months 3 weeks ago
by Allison Tarvin
Sat, 02/07/2015 - 14:06

Education “buzz words” can be meaningless jargon, or they can challenge us to consider new approaches to teaching and learning. Don’t let the jargon be a buzz kill!

“Significant figures are so confusing,” says my former student, who is currently taking AP Chemistry. My PowerPoint lecture with lab to follow didn’t work. Convicted, I wrestled with transforming my tired lesson. I embraced the buzz words. Let’s look at a significant figures lesson that changed my compliant, quiet learners to ENGAGED COLLABORATORS.

Recent activity: 9 months 3 weeks ago
by Ryan Schoenborn
Thu, 02/05/2015 - 10:22

Chemistry teachers face many challenges. One of those challenges is providing our students with the equipment and resources they need to be successful. Many teachers find themselves in schools that cannot afford to properly outfit their chemistry courses. That is exactly the situation I found myself in as a new teacher.

Comments: 2
Recent activity: 9 months 3 weeks ago
by Tom Kuntzleman
Tue, 02/03/2015 - 11:19

Conducting experiments with liquid nitrogen experiments is a sure-fire way to energize many chemistry lessons. Check out the Misbehaving Balloon demo!

Recent activity: 9 months 3 weeks ago
by Dan Meyers
Fri, 01/30/2015 - 13:53

At my school in Michigan, the second semester just started this week. And, since all chemistry classes (except for IB Chemistry) are semester courses, I have new students and different preps.

Comments: 1
Recent activity: 9 months 3 weeks ago
by Deanna Cullen
Fri, 01/30/2015 - 12:18

I love teaching chemistry! It is fun to express that interest by collecting t-shirts and other items when I attend professional development.

Comments: 10
Recent activity: 9 months 3 weeks ago
by Erica Posthuma
Sun, 01/25/2015 - 20:50

This is the time of year when I start looking ahead and planning my professional development for the new year.   As a mom to two young boys I simply cannot attend all the conferences, workshops, or lectures I’d like to.  I have to research my options and determine how each oppo

Recent activity: 9 months 3 weeks ago