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VSEPR for AP Chem and Molecular Geometry

Mastering VSEPR Shapes: Key Concepts for AP Chem In the month of October, many teachers often find themselves tackling Unit 2.7 of their course materials in AP Chemistry. This unit, which focuses on ‘VSEPR‘ (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory and ‘Bond Hybridization’ for AP Chem. Educators typically use this time to introduce their students […]

Acid Base Titration Manipulative

This user-friendly Google Slides tool is designed for both independent exploration and classroom instruction. Beginning with hands-on simulations, students will gain the skills to identify major species in strong acid/strong base titrations without the need for complex calculations. This approach builds students’ confidence, and as they advance, they’ll delve into variations like strong base/strong acid […]

Chemistry Labs for AP Chemistry Course

Explore the AP Chemistry Lab Manual The AP Chemistry Lab Manual, provided by the College Board, serves as an invaluable resource for both educators and students participating in the AP Chemistry program. https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-chemistry/classroom-resources/lab-manual The AP Chemistry Lab Manual comprises 16 student-directed guided-inquiry labs. Their purpose is to provide students with opportunities to engage in hands-on […]

AP chemistry pacing guide – how to create one!

The Importance of an effective AP chemistry pacing guide. Recently, I’ve noticed a shift among AP chemistry teachers – more and more educators are opting to align their course content with the sequence recommended by the College Board for AP Chemistry. For some teachers, following this structured sequence seems more straightforward. Reflecting on the challenges […]

AP chemistry Summer Prep Course

The age-old question for teachers who want to prepare their students for the upcoming school year by providing summer work is: How can I ensure that my students complete this work? The simple answer is – you can’t. However, teachers continue to ask this question because having a class of students that are all on […]

The Scientific Method

Nature of Science – Part 1 Nature of Science – Part 2 In the realm of education, few subjects hold as much significance as the Scientific Method and Scientific Process. These foundational principles are not just elements of a curriculum; they are the cornerstones of critical thinking, problem-solving, and discovery. As educators, our mission extends […]

Burning Money Experiment

Burning money experiment for chemistry This discrepant event is short but can be made into a lot of fun with a little theater: Find 
the largest dollar bill amount in the classroom. I like to ask the class who the “big shot” is 
in the class and then proceed to ask them how much money […]

Returning to the classroom

The 2020-2021 school year had its challenges, no doubt. Here are the top three things you should do to ensure a successful year for 2021-2022. Without further ado, let’s jump in! 1) Make your students excited to be back! Yes, this is the absolute best thing you can do for your students. Students learn drastically […]