Chem Matters

Chem Matters Magazine Archive

Chem Matters Magazine from the American Chemical Society for High School students is available online along with teachers guides. Check it out.

Petroleum

I am designing a unit based around petroleum chemistry. It is new and exciting for me and tied into my work as a mudlogger in the oil fields of west Texas before becoming a teacher. I am brushing up on my organic chem and gathering resources. My goal is to start with the standards, design an appropriate assessment, then see what assignments fill in the gaps between.

I believe I have a lot of tools in my teaching tool belt that are not being utilized. I believe this next unit may be a good way to utilize these in a easy connect to the world of my students.

Behaviors That Support Learning Rubric

My good friend and colleague, Luc Roy, designed and field tested this online rubric on Google Docs for "behaviors that suport learning". This is a school wide rubric, now turned digital and a great quick check in for students to assess their own class performance.

SAT Prep Test

Curious Chimp — Congo's Chimps — Video — National Geographic Magazine

Curious Chimp — Congo's Chimps — Video — National Geographic Magazine