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The Periodic Table - Location, Location, Location |
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Elements
- More Than a Symbol |
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Using Models to Introduce New Concepts |
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 Welcome
to the second issue of Teacher Connection, a free online
monthly newsletter to provide teachers with effective teaching techniques
and helpful ideas and tools for explaining chemistry and mathematics
concepts to students of all levels. |
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The
Periodic Table - Location, Location, Location
Getting
students to use the trends on the periodic table isn't always
easy. They frequently rely on memorized information rather than
doing an analysis based on an element's location on the chart.
To encourage students to apply the periodic trends, try covering
up a few blocks on the periodic table with index cards of appropriate
size. Using this technique, your students must look at the location
of the hidden element in order to reach a decision. Ask them to
predict some of the element's physical properties based upon the
properties of the surrounding elements. Ask them to comment on
the size of the atom or activity based on its location in the
series. This will require them to apply their knowledge of the
families and how the properties change as they move up or down
within a vertical column.
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Elements
- More Than a Symbol
Can
your students list four uses for the element Vanadium? We use
the symbols for the elements so frequently and freely that we
develop an illusion of familiarity which suddenly bursts when
a curious student asks "What is vanadium, anyway?" Well, the Quantum
Elements Tutor not only helps your students learn the symbols
for the elements but also explains their common uses. Even if
your students know the symbols well, they can still benefit from
reading the accompanying information in the Elements Tutor. You'll
find your students enjoy this more than you might expect. If you
would like to try the Elements Tutor along with other Tutors from
Quantum, please email [email protected]
and we would be happy to set up a FREE 15-day trial for you.
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Using
Models to Introduce New Concepts
The
value of models in the chemistry classroom is very effective for
helping students visualize and illustrate new concepts, whether
it's a complex model of a chemical system or a simple ball and
stick model of a molecule. As teachers, we often become so familar
with the subject matter that it's easy to forget that these topics
are completely new to the first-year chemistry student. Over the
years, I have realized that no concept is too simple to illustrate
with a model and no demonstration is too difficult to prepare
if it helps the student better understand a topic.
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More
Teaching Tips from Quantum coming in August
Have
a great summer!
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