It's nearing the 4th of July, and hopefully your school is on summer vacation -- congratulations!  Take these few months to catch your breath before September -- it's as important that you have summer vacation as much as your students.

I completed some graduate work one summer, and I missed that time off.  I realize that you may not have a choice but to complete course work or make money teaching summer courses -- try to plan time for yourself w/o school in mind.  As someone once said to me when I was worrying about the plans for my classes, "Your students aren't thinking about you!"

It is as important to have this down time -- you'll be back on the treadmill soon enough!

In direct opposition to what I just said, check out my lab book "Chemistry on a Budget" at amazon.com -- it's only $20!  It will take a little time to get to you, so order it and enjoy your summer vacation!
http://www.amazon.com/Chemistry-Budget-Marjorie-R-Heesemann/dp/0578129159/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1389410170&sr=1-1&keywords=chemistry+on+a+budget

Each lab is presented with two possible report formats -- both labs use the same procedure but each has a different conclusion -- one with 10 questions to be answered as a conclusion, the other with a full laboratory report required.  This gives the teacher the option of what type of report is desired, and each version is designed to be just two pages.  This way the teacher can photocopy just one 2-sided page per student (saves paper).  

Have a good week!

One idea for a student assignment is research on the history of science -- probably chemistry since that's what you're studying!

I allowed some creativity -- the standard paper was assigned, but PowerPoint presentations or videos were accepted -- if a student presents a different idea, choose the requirements for providing the Source material and documentation of the work so that you can refer to it -- for example, if it's a skit, it needs to be recorded for the teacher's reference.

I provided a list of possible scientists, and each student could pick one (to avoid repeats) -- it was a "first come, first serve" way of assigning scientists -- here's one list that I started with:

Here is one version of an assignment I gave:

I hope the scientist research file shows up ok-- I'm going to be checking it immediately!

Check out my lab book "Chemistry on a Budget" at amazon.com -- it's only $20! 
http://www.amazon.com/Chemistry-Budget-Marjorie-R-Heesemann/dp/0578129159/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1389410170&sr=1-1&keywords=chemistry+on+a+budget

Each lab is presented with two possible report formats -- both labs use the same procedure but each has a different conclusion -- one with 10 questions to be answered as a conclusion, the other with a full laboratory report required.  This gives the teacher the option of what type of report is desired, and each version is designed to be just two pages.  This way the teacher can photocopy just one 2-sided page per student (saves paper).  

I hope you all are having a relaxing summer -- have a good week!

It's the end of the school year -- you need to clean up your lab and pack it away for the summer -- it can be quite a daunting task!  Students are always looking for a chance to earn extra credit, so get them to help clean up! You will have very enthusiastic helpers b/c it's a way to earn points toward their final grade!

What I learned from doing this was to plan out what jobs need to be done ahead of time -- not just in your head, but write down a list, with time equivalents for each job, so that you can assign them without much thought.  The first time I had a clean-up day, I was rushed with students enthusiastic to work -- it was much easier the next time when I made a list.

Several jobs can be accomplished, from washing glassware or returning equipment to lab drawers to decorating the classroom or creating new displays!  Your students will be very enthusiastic about this credit earning opportunity.

I had a "Class Participation" grade for my students each quarter -- it was mainly based on attendance and tardiness.  This extra credit opportunity would earn points towards that grade.  I categorized it as a "Homework" grade, and with this extra credit students could have a Class Participation grade of over 100 points.  You'll have to decide how you want to award this credit, but it was equivalent to a Homework grade (not as high of a value as a Test or Lab grade).  I may be talking about computer grade programs later this summer.

I'd love to hear about your Lab Clean-up experiences!  There should be a "Contact" form below, or click on the "Contact" tab on the top right of this page.

Check out my lab book "Chemistry on a Budget" at amazon.com -- it's only $20! 
http://www.amazon.com/Chemistry-Budget-Marjorie-R-Heesemann/dp/0578129159/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1389410170&sr=1-1&keywords=chemistry+on+a+budget

Each lab is presented with two possible report formats -- both labs use the same procedure but each has a different conclusion -- one with 10 questions to be answered as a conclusion, the other with a full laboratory report required.  This gives the teacher the option of what type of report is desired, and each version is designed to be just two pages.  This way the teacher can photocopy just one 2-sided page per student (saves paper).  

Have a good week!

It's that time of year, preparing for final exams.  There may be a state exam (for example, the New York State Regents Examination), or your school might have its own final exam. 

The American Chemical Society (ACS) has a Chemistry Olympiad Exam every year -- the test consists of 60 multiple choice questions, and sections of ACS give it throughout the country, and give prizes to the winners. 

Here's the link to view old exams with the answers:
http://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/students/highschool/olympiad/pastexams.html

The NYS Regents Examination used to consist of 100 multiple choice questions, but it was changed in 2003 to consist of 50  multiple choice questions  and 50 points worth of short answer questions where partial credit can be earned.

Here is a link to several NYS Regents Chemistry Examinations:
http://www.nysedregents.org/Chemistry/

This is Mr. Kent's website with NYS Regent Examinations with answers and explanations:
http://www.kentchemistry.com/RegentsExams/regentsexams.htm

At the end of the school year you don't want to teach the course again, but brief lectures about select subjects would be useful to your students.  A full class of lecture is only going to help so much -- your students will just suffer through it but most won't get too much as summer is whispering in their ears.

One thing I did was have old final exams the students could work together on in groups.  This way they can talk freely and you can respond to individual questions.  At the end of the class, or at the beginning of the next class session, you can share the answers and respond to questions.

One school allowed students to bring in a handwritten note card to the exam -- the students worked very hard to write as much information on the card -- they didn't realize that they were reviewing for their exam by preparing the card!  It was turned in to the teacher before the exam (I actually gave homework credit for it, to encourage participation) so the teacher could verify that it's handwritten (not just a photocopy).

I'd love to hear your strategies for preparing for a final exam! 

Check out my lab book "Chemistry on a Budget" at amazon.com -- it's only $20! 
http://www.amazon.com/Chemistry-Budget-Marjorie-R-Heesemann/dp/0578129159/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1389410170&sr=1-1&keywords=chemistry+on+a+budget

Each lab is presented with two possible report formats -- both labs use the same procedure but each has a different conclusion -- one with 10 questions to be answered as a conclusion, the other with a full laboratory report required.  This gives the teacher the option of what type of report is desired, and each version is designed to be just two pages.  This way the teacher can photocopy just one 2-sided page per student (saves paper).  

*I'd love to hear from you!  Your feedback would really help me to focus on your needs!  There should be a "Contact" form below, or click on the "Contact" tab on the top right of this page.  

Have a good week!

From now on, I am going to be posting on Sundays only.  If I change the schedule, I'll let you know!

Check out my lab book "Chemistry on a Budget" at amazon.com -- it's only $20! 
http://www.amazon.com/Chemistry-Budget-Marjorie-R-Heesemann/dp/0578129159/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1389410170&sr=1-1&keywords=chemistry+on+a+budget

Each lab is presented with two possible report formats -- both labs use the same procedure but each has a different conclusion -- one with 10 questions to be answered as a conclusion, the other with a full laboratory report required.  This gives the teacher the option of what type of report is desired, and each version is designed to be just two pages.  This way the teacher can photocopy just one 2-sided page per student (saves paper).  

*I'd love to hear from you!  Your feedback would really help me to focus on your needs!  There should be a "Contact" form below, or click on the "Contact" tab on the top right of this page.  

Have a good week!