What Chemistry class SHOULD be

In my chemistry classroom, we’d make cold-process soap and sell it, learning about saponification while also running a small business. We’d distill our own essential

oils for that soap, using them for candles as well. We’d make and sell liquid nitrogen cooled ice cream and our own root beer at the football games. We’d partner with the elementary and middle schools, running science camps and doing exciting demonstrations.

Root beer Chemistry Demonstration

We’d learn a ton of chemistry but would have fun while learning. Games, case studies, debates, scavenger hunts, and escape rooms would be commonplace activities. We’d complete complicated chemistry, taking a stoichiometry firework lab quiz where the grade is based on the outcome of the reaction. We’d learn from community stakeholders about what it truly means to be a chemist and what it takes to get there. We’d conclude the year with a case study examining a situation in Louisiana and proposing solutions for a community plagued with non potable-water.

Am I talking about an AP-level course at a charter school? No. This should be the expectation for ALL chemistry classes, starting with Basic Chemistry. It doesn’t matter who your students are or what their background is (ESL, SPED, or Gifted), chemistry should be experienced.

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The question is, how do we get there? Too many classrooms are focused on route memorization and mind-numbing levels of repetitive practice. Why bother with this archaic approach when students have instant access to answers to any problem we might ask them?

I envision this ideal chemistry experience, but having been an overwhelmed high school chemistry teacher with little time to use the bathroom much less design curriculum, I understand why more teachers are unable to provide these types of experiences. Annd, this is why I have created Chem with Corinne. I’m curating lessons and activities for you! Check out my Teachers Pay Teachers store for lessons connecting chemistry to medicine and other relevant facets of life.

I'm just a tired mom with a vision of how chemistry should be taught/learned, but I'm glad you're here. Let's work together to ensure chemistry is a positive experience which impacts our students' lives long after they graduate!