Lesson 22:

Concepts conveyed | Materials | Procedure

Concepts conveyed:

The purpose of these extra ideas is to help make chemistry class a much better place for all students: those with interest and those who have little or no interest in science.

Materials:

• lots of samples of various chemical elements
• 1 creative mind
• 1 willing and enthusiastic spirit

Procedure:

While teaching this class, be creative and spontaneous. No matter how many chemistry classes you have had, you can probably still remember your first one. Remember your frustrations with learning chemistry. Most of the students in this class are probably experiencing these right now. Make it as fun and applicable for them as you can. Look for new ideas and try to put yourself in the students’ shoes.

Designate an “element of the day” for each class period. Choose an element which you can bring to class in some form. For example, make aluminum the “element of the day.” Bring in a roll of aluminum foil and several aluminum cans to pass around or to decorate the room, etc.!

When you find interesting chemistry-related facts or ideas in the news, share them with the students.

Get to know your students. Learn their names and faces. Calling them by name and treating them as individuals, instead of social security numbers, are important.