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Episode Intro In this episode of The Confident Chemistry Teacher Podcast, I’m taking you inside my mole unit — not as a day-by-day plan, but through the thinking and teaching decisions behind it. The mole unit is one of the first truly skill-heavy units students encounter in chemistry, and it can feel overwhelming for both students and teachers. I share how I introduce the mole conceptually, how I scaffold practice, how I check for mastery along the way, and how I help students build confidence before the test. My goal is always the same: helping students actually learn chemistry, not just survive the unit.   Key Takeaways By the end of this episode, you’ll hear how to: Frame the mole as a skill-based unit, not a memorization unit Help students visualize the scale of the mole before jumping into math Scaffold mole conversions so students don’t shut down Balance independent practice with more active, collaborative practice Use mastery checks to guide instruction before the unit test Reinforce the importance of showing work and using units   How I Introduce the Mole Unit I begin the unit by helping students understand scale. Before touching conversions, I want them to grasp how large Avogadro’s number really is. I use a short video, How Big Is the Mole?, to help students visualize scale. We discuss why chemists need a way to count particles they can’t see. I connect atomic mass units to grams to show why mass is the bridge between the microscopic and real-world chemistry. To make this concrete, I use a “measuring by mass” activity with paperclips, which helps students understand how counting by mass works in a tangible way.   Teaching & Practicing Core Mole Skills Even though this is a math-heavy unit, I rely on explicit modeling through Google Slides. My slides focus on how to think through problems, not just the answers. I typically teach skills in this order: Molar mass Mole-to-gram and gram-to-mole conversions Moles to representative particles and liters Multi-step (double conversion) problems Percent composition, empirical formulas, and molecular formulas Throughout the unit, I remind students that dimensional analysis is a tool, not a trick — something they already know how to use.   Practice: Boring Practice + Fun-ish Practice Because chemistry skills require repetition, I intentionally plan for both types of practice. Independent practice: Worksheets for building confidence Quiet work time so students can’t rely on neighbors Active or “fun-ish” practice: Rock–Paper–Scissors review Whiteboarding Small-group and partner practice Practice tests in mixed-ability groups This balance supports both skill mastery and student engagement.   Mastery Checks (Before the Test) Instead of waiting until the unit test to find gaps, I use short mastery checks throughout the unit. Each mastery check is only a few questions. Students receive feedback quickly. Retakes are built in when students show effort These checkpoints: Create urgency Prevent last-minute cramming Help me adjust instruction with warm-ups, extra practice, or short videos   Labs & Hands-On Learning Labs in the mole unit help students connect math to real substances. Some of my favorites include: Counting by measuring mass (early in the unit) Avogadro and the Mole lab using real substances Extension activities like Mole Olympics or sewing a mole These activities don’t replace instruction — they enhance understanding and make the unit more memorable.   Assessment & Grading Philosophy My assessments are a mix of multiple choice and free response, with a strong emphasis on showing work. I use a consistent grading approach: Credit for showing work Partial credit for reasonable answers Points for units and significant figures Using the same expectations from the start helps students understand what matters and builds confidence over time.   Final Takeaway The goal of the mole unit isn’t just passing a test — it’s helping students believe they can do hard, skill-based chemistry. When students leave this unit knowing they can: Set up conversions Use units correctly Explain their thinking …it sets them up for success in stoichiometry and beyond.   Closing As always, thank you for listening to today’s episode. Teaching chemistry can feel overwhelming, and my hope is that this episode gave you one idea, one strategy, or one small shift you can take back to your classroom. If you found this episode helpful, please share it with another chemistry teacher who might need some encouragement. And until next time — keep inspiring, keep experimenting, and keep being awesome in your chemistry classroom. Happy teaching.   🧪 Mole Unit Resources (Optional Support) If you’re teaching the mole unit right now and want some ready-to-use resources, here are a few free activities and some from my Teachers Pay Teachers store that align with what I shared in this episode: Measuring by Mass Activity (Paperclip Model) (Free) – helps students understand how chemists count particles using mass. Mole Conversion Google Slides Presentation– includes step-by-step directions for solving mole problems, fill-in notes, and 5 short video lectures. Mole Conversion Worksheets, Quizzes, and Warm-ups – structured practice and quick assessments to build confidence before the test. (Use what works for your classroom — these are simply tools I use to support the strategies discussed in this episode.)

Episode Intro In this episode of The Confident Chemistry Teacher Podcast, I’m sharing the key systems and teaching practices I’m focusing on in 2026 to help me feel more organized, reduce decision fatigue, and actually enjoy the spring semester with my students. Like many teachers, I’ve felt overwhelmed this year — new responsibilities, new classes, and the constant pressure to keep up with curriculum pacing. Instead of trying to do everything, I’m intentionally focusing on a few core systems that support both student learning and teacher sustainability. If you’re feeling stretched thin right now, this episode is meant to remind you that you’re not alone — and that small, intentional shifts can make a big difference. Key Takeaways By the end of this episode, you’ll hear about: How creating structured weekly routines can reduce decision fatigue and improve student behavior Why I’m committing to a monthly checklist system to stay organized and prepared How modeling expectations more intentionally leads to smoother lessons and labs Why being intentionally positive with students matters — especially during challenging semesters Teaching Systems & Practices Featured 🧪 1. Structured Weeks I’m moving toward a more predictable weekly structure: Monday: Notes and light practice Tuesday & Wednesday: Activities or labs Thursday: Review, notebook organization, and practice test work Friday: Quiz or test This structure helps me prioritize essential content, reduces planning stress, and gives students clear expectations. 📋 2. Using a Monthly Checklist To manage everything on my plate, I’m leaning into a monthly checklist broken into four sections. Instead of trying to do everything at once, I focus on one section per week and use staff development days strategically. I’ve also committed to staying one extra afternoon a week (Thursdays) for focused planning, grading, and lab prep — so work doesn’t spill into every evening or weekend. 🎯 3. Modeling More for Students This semester, I’m being more intentional about: Modeling procedures Modeling lab techniques Modeling notebook setup If students don’t do something correctly, I’m having them go back and repeat it. I’ve learned that when I’m frustrated later, it’s usually because I skipped modeling earlier. 🌱 4. Being Intentionally Positive I’m working on using more positive language and recognition in my classroom, including: Verbal praise for effort and growth Calling out groups who are working well Stickers on assessments Small academic rewards The goal is to help students build confidence so that external motivation can eventually turn into internal motivation. What’s Coming Next on the Podcast As the year continues, I’ll be sharing: How I plan chemistry units using these systems Deeper explanations of why I structure lessons the way I do Episodes on labs like my dry ice root beer lab, gas laws activities, and other high-engagement chemistry experiences My goal is to help you adapt strategies — even if you don’t teach the exact same labs or units. Final Encouragement If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember: You don’t need to do a thousand new things You don’t need a complete overhaul. One intentional system can make a big difference Closing As always, thank you for listening to today’s episode. Teaching chemistry can feel overwhelming, but I hope this episode gave you one idea, one strategy, or one small shift you can take back to your classroom. If you found this episode helpful, please share it with another chemistry teacher who might need some encouragement. And until next time — keep inspiring, keep experimenting, and keep being awesome in your chemistry classroom. Happy teaching.

🎙️ Ep. 21 – Simple Semester Exam Review Strategies that Keep Students Engaged Episode Intro In this episode of The Confident Chemistry Teacher Podcast, I’m sharing my favorite strategies for reviewing before semester exams — without losing your sanity or your students’ attention. You’ll discover how to keep students engaged during review days, balance independent and active learning, and design meaningful practice materials that actually prepare them for success. By the end of this episode, you’ll learn how to: ✅ Create and organize a semester exam review that balances student independence and active learning. ✅ Use warmups, practice tests, and collaborative review games to reinforce essential skills. ✅ Set up simple systems to reduce teacher burnout while still helping students feel prepared and confident. ✅ Incorporate technology (like ChatGPT!) to build custom practice tests when you don’t have access to a test generator. Activities / Labs Featured: Warmup Questions – Short, high-impact review problems that align with the semester exam format. Practice Test Creation – How to build a student-friendly practice test using ChatGPT screenshots. Partner or Group Review Games – Examples include quiz-quiz-trade, whiteboarding, slide decks, and rock-paper-scissors review. Task Cards Around the Room – Engaging movement-based review with problem sets and friendly competition. Graphic Organizers & Flip Books – Tools for helping students visualize key unit relationships and concepts. Next Episode Teaser Next time, I’ll be sharing what I do each day for my mole unit. Don’t miss it! For more information or to join the Confident Chemistry Teacher community, check out: 🌐 Website: chemschemistryclassroom.com 👩‍🏫 Facebook Group: The Confident Chemistry Teacher Community 🧪 TPT Store: Chem’s Chemistry Classroom

🧪 Ep. 20 – Inside the Unit: Chemical Nomenclature Episode I In this episode of The Confident Chemistry Teacher Podcast, I’m walking you through how I teach one of the foundational chemistry skills—chemical nomenclature. You’ll hear how I structure the unit, keep students engaged, and help them build confidence while naming and writing chemical formulas. Key Takeaways By the end of this episode, you’ll learn how to: • Determine when to teach nomenclature in relation to bonding • Use bonding types to scaffold naming conventions • Help students understand ionic vs. covalent (molecular) formulas • Incorporate practice, movement, and humor to boost retention • Simplify acid naming and choose what’s worth assessing   Activities / Labs Featured • PBS Ionic Bonding Tutorial – Simple, visual simulation that helps students conceptualize ionic bonding. • PBS Covalent Bonding Tutorial – Companion activity for understanding molecular bonding. • Science Spot “Bond with a Partner” Cards  – Hands-on pairing activity using laminated ion cards to build formulas. • Quiz-Quiz-Trade Cards – Peer-to-peer naming & formula practice with movement and repetition. • Whiteboarding Practice – Whole-class and partner work reinforcing compound types and naming steps.   Standards Connections Performance Expectations: HS-PS1-2: Construct and revise an explanation for the outcome of a reaction based on the outermost electron states of atoms. Science & Engineering Practices: • Analyzing and interpreting data • Developing and using models • Asking questions Crosscutting Concepts: • Patterns (identifying ionic vs covalent naming structures) • Structure and function (relationship between atomic structure & bonding behavior)   🎁 Free Resources PBS Interactive Ionic & Covalent Bonding Worksheets – Perfect scaffolding for introducing bonding types before naming. Heads up — I didn’t create the PBS resources, so they’re a little plain. When I make something for TPT, trust me — it gets a full glow-up. PBS Ionic Bonding Tutorial 👉https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Dvrn6fgvqFzggFO_f-wCk4D6HO1SoMm4jlVTlKLaG_4/copy PBS Molecular Bonding Tutorial 👉https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QhFUbaCSCGm9OaPg7nfU2jAy3IRJZElonNgDH18GMAg/copy   🧪 TPT Resources Chemical Nomenclature Presentation- Ionic and Molecular Compounds Google slides, prerequisite worksheet, ion card activity, and instructional videos 👉 https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chemical-Nomenclature-Presentation-Ionic-and-Molecular-Compounds-13254935 Ionic Nomenclature Worksheets & Quizzes (Naming & Formula Writing) 👉 https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ionic-Nomenclature-Worksheets-Quizzes-Naming-Formula-Writing-13263301 Molecular Nomenclature Worksheets & Quizzes   👉 https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Molecular-Nomenclature-Worksheets-Quizzes-Naming-and-Formula-Writing-13272491 Mixed Ionic and Covalent Nomenclature Worksheets and Quizzes  👉 https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mixed-Ionic-and-Covalent-Nomenclature-Worksheets-and-Quizzes-13362589   Next Episode Teaser Next time, I’ll be sharing how I help students review for tests, quizzes, and end-of-semester exams—especially timely as finals approach!   For more information or to join the Confident Teacher community, check out: Website: chemschemistryclassroom.com Facebook Group: The Confident Chemistry Teacher Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/767528946010479/ TPT Store: Chem’s Chemistry Classroom https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/chems-chemistry-classroom  

Episode Intro In this episode of The Confident Chemistry Teacher Podcast, I’m sharing a real and honest reflection about what happens when graduation rates take priority over student learning. You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes challenges of adjusting to a new school environment, supporting struggling students, and finding your balance between accountability and empathy. You’ll walk away with practical classroom management strategies, structure ideas, and tools that help you refocus your students on learning — even when motivation feels low.   Key Takeaways By the end of this episode, you’ll learn how to: Identify the subtle system pressures that can shift focus from learning to passing. Add structure and consistency through visual reminders and predictable routines. Support unmotivated or transient students with simple, proactive communication systems. Track behavior and engagement data to strengthen parent communication and accountability.   🎁 Free Resource Behavior Posters https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1q6jykZf0FlE7Qcsr4Q0Oih_SAuNO4EoJ?usp=sharing Behavior Tracker https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1-vahPQdnSUDNV9i8nbAAMgqJHdm6dMaZAN8MjwCnTu4/copy The Lab Day Starter Kit – Make your lab days run smoother with this free set of teacher-tested tools: sign-up sheets, joke cards, and a pre-lab prep checklist that helps you stay organized and confident. 👉 https://learn.chemschemistryclassroom.com/lab-day-starter-kit

🎙️ Episode: My Go-To Periodic Table Unit -Activities, Trends, and Timing Tips A practical walkthrough of my Periodic Table unit—history hooks, must-teach trends, hands-on labs, and lots of low-prep practice to cement understanding. Episode Description In this episode, I run through exactly how I teach the Periodic Table in Chem I and Honors: how I hook students with music and history, scaffold core periodic trends (atomic radius, ionization energy, electronegativity, ionic radius), and build fluency with smart practice and a few fan-favorite labs. You’ll hear when and why I bring back electron configurations, how I use Coulomb’s Law to make trends click, and the specific resources I pull in (POGILs, Flinn activities, and quick videos) to keep the unit moving without overwhelm. Whether you’re about to start Periodic Table or already past it, grab ideas to pin for next year—plus a couple of time-saving grading and pacing moves.  Key Takeaways Start with a hook: A song + a short Mendeleev history video builds buy-in fast. Teach the “big three” trends first: atomic radius, ionization energy, electronegativity; add ionic radius (and electron affinity if time). Revisit electron configurations: Use the table layout to reinforce patterns students already learned in the electrons unit. Use Coulomb’s Law as the backbone: Keep focus on nuclear charge and distance to explain trends consistently. Hands-on > heavy lecture: “It’s in the Cards,” POGILs, and a simple reactivity lab (alkaline earth metals) anchor the concepts. Reps matter: Build in multiple rounds of “which is bigger/smaller?” practice to cement intuition before assessment. Pacing tip: Some activities now take two days—spreading them out lowers stress and raises understanding. Assessment flow: Practice test → Unit test; hand out the next unit’s prerequisite sheet on test day to keep early finishers engaged.   Resources Mentioned Periodic Table Song https://youtu.be/rz4Dd1I_fX0?si=0gWuX15YbijZrk3F TED-Ed: Mendeleev & the Periodic Table https://youtu.be/fPnwBITSmgU?si=LLjxiFUzig005e1K Periodic Table Basics notebook activity (Science Spot) https://sciencespot.net/Media/ptablebasics.pdf Sodium in water demonstration video (safe classroom alternative) https://youtu.be/dmcfsEEogxs?si=bhJP_FlqlX8uCwIu  

Welcome back to the Confident Chemistry Teacher Podcast! Episode Summary In this episode, I’m breaking down one of my favorite quick-and-fun isotope activities — the Marshmallow Isotope Lab! This hands-on lab helps students visualize isotopes by building models of hydrogen’s three isotopes using mini marshmallows and toothpicks. It’s simple, colorful, and perfect for reinforcing the difference between ions and isotopes in a memorable way. I’ll walk you through: ✅ Why this lab helps students truly see isotopes instead of just reading about them 🍬 How to organize the materials (and yes — students can eat the leftovers!) 🧠 Common student mistakes to watch for and how to correct them ✏️ How to use the included reading passage for literacy practice and ACT-style prep 👩‍🏫 Ways to scaffold the activity so every student participates and learns ⏰ How to fit it into a 30-minute class period You’ll also hear a few updates on my upcoming Confident Chemistry Lab Membership (launching this January!) and a quick peek into my current teaching reality — classroom renovations, freshmen energy, and all. 🧪 Teacher Tip of the Week When introducing ions and isotopes, remind students that: “Ion” is the smaller word — it deals with the smaller subatomic particle (electrons). “Isotope” is the larger word — it deals with the larger subatomic particle (neutrons). This quick mnemonic helps them remember the difference every time! 🧰 Classroom Logistics Recommended group size: 3–4 students Average class time: ~30 minutes Materials: Mini marshmallows (different colors), toothpicks, paper plates Pro tip: Have students bring in marshmallows — saves your budget and builds buy-in! 🔗 Resources Mentioned 👉 Download or view the Marshmallow Isotope Lab HERE  🎧 Listen & Subscribe Catch this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Kajabi — and don’t forget to leave a review! 💌 Stay Connected If you’re not already on my email list, make sure you join so you’ll get future lab ideas, freebies, and chemistry teacher tips right in your inbox. Join the Confident Chemistry Teacher Community → https://www.facebook.com/groups/767528946010479  

Episode Summary Hey Chemistry Friend! In this episode of The Confident Chemistry Teacher Podcast, Chem walks you through her Electrons Unit — from the evolution of atomic models to light and energy calculations, and finally, electron configurations. You’ll hear how she sequences lessons, which labs and demos make the biggest impact, and how she builds connections between math skills, color emissions, and atomic structure. Whether you’re teaching high school Chemistry or honors-level students, you’ll get ideas to simplify your planning and make this concept-packed unit more engaging and hands-on! In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ⚛️ Why Chem teaches atomic history here (instead of during the Atoms unit) to deepen understanding. 💡 How she introduces light and energy equations (c = λv and E = hv) using fireworks as the anchoring phenomenon. 🔥 Favorite labs like the Flame Test Lab using soaked coffee stirrers and the Spectroscope Lab for visualizing emission spectra. 🧮 Tips for tackling math struggles early, including calculator practice and spacing out light calculations for extra review time. 🧠 How to teach electron configurations using both orbital diagrams and periodic table patterns. 📚 Optional extensions for advanced students, like quantum numbers. 🎥 Recommended videos: TED-Ed’s What is Light? and How Do We See Color?   Labs & Activities Mentioned POGIL: Electron Energy and Light POGIL: Electron Configurations Flame Test Lab (using metal chlorides) Spectroscope Lab with gas tubes or diffraction slides Card Sort for Atomic Model Development (Mrs. Razz, TPT) Google Slides presentations and practice worksheets Teacher Tip of the Week 💬 “If you haven’t yet, invest in a classroom set of scientific calculators! Teaching the light equations gets so much smoother when everyone’s using the same model.” Connect & Share Have your own favorite way to teach electrons or a cool simulation for orbital filling? Chem would love to hear it! Message her on Instagram @chemschemistryclassroom or join the Confident Chemistry Teacher Community on Facebook. Next Episode Preview Stay tuned for Inside the Unit: Periodic Table Properties — where Chem breaks down how she teaches atomic radius, ionization energy, and electronegativity in a clear and visual way. 🎁 Freebies Electron Configuration Google Slides Presentation Lab Day Starter Kit TPT Resources Light and Energy Bundle

Sometimes the simplest tools make the biggest impact. In this episode, I’m sharing one of my favorite organization hacks: the daily Google slide. Each day of the school year gets its own slide with the date, learning intentions, success criteria, warm-up, agenda, and links to resources. It’s a straightforward system, but the benefits are huge—for me, my students, parents, co-teachers, and even admin. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What goes on a daily slide (date, objectives, warm-ups, agenda, and more). Why slides beat paper planners, calendars, and even LMS systems for accessibility and efficiency. How daily slides support students with special needs and English learners by giving them digital access and translation tools. Time-saving tricks for linking assignments and resources directly into slides. Ways parents, co-teachers, and admin benefit from having a simple, clear record of classwork and assignments. Tips for creating, editing, and reusing slides week to week and year to year. Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode: Daily Google Slides Template Click HERE Lab Day Starter Kit – Free Resource Click HERE   Daily Google slides keep everyone on the same page, cut down on repeated tasks, and give my students confidence and independence. Whether you’re new to teaching or a seasoned pro, this is a tool worth trying. As always—keep inspiring, keep experimenting, and keep being awesome in your classrooms. Woot! Woot!

Episode Summary In this episode, Chem walks through a practical sequence for teaching Atoms—from subatomic particles to isotopes and average atomic mass—plus why some topics don’t live in this unit (history of the atom, moles) and where to spiral in ions and the octet rule. You’ll get easy-to-run activities (Google Slides checks, PBS ChemThink, isotopes/average-atomic-mass activities), labs, and clear expectations for Chem 1 vs. Honors. Freebie Links: Atomic Structure Review & Practice worksheet PBS ChemThink worksheet

Parent communication isn’t anyone’s favorite part of the job (hi, same 🙋‍♀️), but it can be calm, professional, and effective. In this episode, I share a simple 6-step framework I use for emails and phone calls so conversations stay factual, collaborative, and student-focused—without eating your whole prep period. You’ll also hear practical examples, boundary tips, and how to document contacts the smart way. You’ll learn why consistent, professional communication is essential for protecting instructional time and fostering strong relationships. The 6-Step Framework: State the facts, not your emotions. Be specific and quantifiable (e.g., “out of seat 4 times today,” “2 missing assignments”)—avoid labels. Describe why the behavior is a problem. Connect to learning: missed practice, skills not developing, and disruption to peers. Share what you’ve already tried: Seat changes, 1:1 check-ins, tutoring/retakes, reminders—show interventions in place. Invite collaboration with the parent. Ask what they’ve noticed and what’s worked before; position yourselves as a team. Explain next steps, Counselor/nurse/dean referral when appropriate; clarity here increases follow-through. End with teamwork and care. Thank them, restate shared goal, and commit to follow-up—especially when things improve. Confidentiality note: Don’t include other students’ names in communications. Pro Tips Mentioned: Document everything: quick spreadsheet + your district system (e.g., Infinite Campus). Call vs. email: A 5–10 minute call can save a 20-minute email—use an index card with the 6 steps as a mini script. Boundaries: Don’t check/respond outside contract hours. If you draft after hours, schedule send for the next school day. Build positives: Aim for two positive postcards per week and track in a Google Doc so praise is spread around. “Professional over perfect”: Clear, caring, and consistent beats word-smithing for an hour.   Free Resources Parent Communication Call/ Email Script: Modify to fit your needs or use as a contact tracker. 👉 Download it HERE Parent Email Templates (3 pack): Phone use • Disruptive behavior • Low grades — short, sweet, and aligned to the 6 steps. 👉 Download it HERE Lab Day Starter Kit: Checklist, Google Slides template, station laugh cards, and signup sheet. 👉 Grab it HERE Links & Mentions Join the Confident Chemistry Teacher Facebook group: Click HERE Share this episode with a teacher friend who’s navigating parent emails this week.

In this episode of The Confident Chemistry Teacher Podcast, I’m sharing how I used the Lab Day Starter Kit in my own classroom and why it made a “simple” lab run smoother and more meaningful for both me and my students. I’ll walk you through each piece of the kit, show how it supported my Cooling Rate of Hot Water Lab, and give you practical tips for making your own lab days less stressful.   By the end of this episode, you’ll learn how to: Use the Lab Day Checklist to plan ahead and save brainpower on lab day Support students (and yourself!) with a Google Slides template for organization and clarity Add humor and structure with Lab Station Laugh Cards Track groups, cleanup, and teacher questions with the Lab Station Signup Sheet   Activities / Lab Featured Cooling Rate of Hot Water Lab – Students transfer hot water, measure cooling rates in different beakers, practice with thermometers, and build graphing skills   Standards Connections HS-PS1-3: Plan and conduct investigations to gather evidence of physical and chemical properties. Science & Engineering Practices: Collecting data, graphing results, and constructing explanations. Crosscutting Concepts: Cause & effect.   🎁 Free Resource Grab the Lab Day Starter Kit – includes a lab checklist, editable Google Slides template, joke-filled station cards, and a station signup sheet to keep labs organized and stress-free. 👉 https://learn.chemschemistryclassroom.com/lab-day-starter-kit   🧪 Paid Resource Want ready-to-run labs each month? The Confident Chem Lab Membership launches this October with student handouts, teacher guides, quizzes, videos, and PD support.   Stay tuned! Next Episode Teaser Next time, I’ll be sharing strategies for handling parent communication without losing your cool.

Ep. 11 – Inside the Lab: Matter & Change  In this episode of The Confident Chemistry Teacher Podcast, I’m kicking off a new series: Inside the Lab. Today, I’m taking you inside my Matter & Change Lab—an 8-station activity that gives students confidence, reinforces key vocabulary, and sets safety expectations early in the year. I’ll highlight my 4 favorite stations and share teacher hacks that make setup, timing, and safety a whole lot smoother. Key Takeaways By the end of this episode, you’ll learn how to: Reinforce Chemistry vocabulary with hands-on practice Use station labs to build early lab confidence and safety habits Incorporate skills like stopwatch use, Bunsen burner setup, and conductivity testing Adapt a multi-station lab for large classes and 2-day pacing   Activities / Stations Featured Alka-Seltzer Reaction – Stopwatch skills + surface area observations Calcium Chloride + Baking Soda + Indicator – Evidence of reaction: gas, color, and temperature change Burning Magnesium – Bunsen burner practice + safety with bright light Conductivity Test (Salt vs. Sugar) – Ionic vs. molecular properties in action Other stations include evaporating salt water, filtering, magnet separation, and balance practice   Standards Connections HS-PS1-3: Plan and conduct investigations to gather evidence of physical and chemical properties Science & Engineering Practices: Making observations, analyzing data, using lab tools Crosscutting Concepts: Cause & effect; patterns   🎁 Free Resource Grab the Lab Day Starter Kit – includes a checklist, lab station joke cards, a sign-up sheet, and editable Google Slides to make your labs run smoother from start to finish. 👉 https://learn.chemschemistryclassroom.com/lab-day-starter-kit   🧪 Paid Resource The Confident Chem Lab Membership launches this October! Each month includes a ready-to-run lab with student handouts, teacher guides, quizzes, and setup videos—plus PD and Q&A support. Keep an ear out for more details!   Next Episode Teaser Next time, I’ll be sharing how I used the Lab Day Starter Kit to help make what seems like a simple and boring lab into a meaningful learning experience for my students and how it helped me prepare and organize for a great lab day.

AI is everywhere right now, but what does it really look like in a high school classroom? In this episode of the Confident Chemistry Teacher Podcast, I’m sharing 3 practical ways I use ChatGPT to save time, reduce stress, and support student learning — including one that completely surprised me. Here’s what you’ll hear: Parent emails made easier — how I use ChatGPT to polish tone, grammar, and professionalism (especially when I’m frustrated 🙃). Better post-lab questions — how I generate new, customized questions and answer keys that connect more closely to my lesson goals. Student skill supports — how ChatGPT helped me create simple “how-to” lab cards for rulers, balances, and cylinders when my Biology students needed extra scaffolding. Whether you’ve been curious about AI or you’re already experimenting with it, these teacher-tested tips will give you simple entry points you can try right away.   ✨ Links & Resources: Grab the free Lab Day Starter Kit — packed with ready-to-use tools like lab slides, laugh cards, a sign-up sheet, and a teacher checklist — so you can save time, cut stress, and run labs with confidence. (If you already grabbed another freebie, you can use the same email address. Follow me on Instagram: @chems.chemistry.classroom

In this episode of The Confident Chemistry Teacher Podcast, I’m taking you inside the Matter & Change unit—one of the most important foundations for the rest of the year. This unit helps students: Build vocabulary they’ll use in every future Chemistry topic Practice classification skills through hands-on activities Gain lab confidence while still early in the year See the difference between physical vs. chemical properties and changes I also share how I structure this unit in my own classroom, when I like to teach it in the sequence (sometimes 2nd, sometimes 3rd), and why it’s so valuable for setting expectations and giving students an early win. Activities Featured in This Episode Vocabulary T-Charts – Students classify examples and develop their own definitions before we formalize the terms. (🎁 Grab my free T-Chart slides in the show notes!) Matter Worksheet – A quick reinforcement of key vocabulary. Physical & Chemical Properties/Changes Card Sort – Simple, hands-on sorting that builds confidence. “Goody Brittle” Lab – A tasty activity where students identify physical and chemical changes in real life. Matter & Change 8-Station Lab – Students rotate through lab skills while applying new vocabulary (more details in a future episode!). Chromatography Lab – One way I introduce separatory techniques, though I’m still looking for better resources here. Standards Connections:  HS-PS1-2: Construct and revise explanations for chemical reactions using atomic and molecular structures. HS-PS1-3: Plan and conduct investigations to gather evidence of physical and chemical properties. Science & Engineering Practices: Modeling, analyzing data, and constructing explanations. Crosscutting Concepts: Patterns, cause & effect. 🎁 Free Resource: Scientific Math Starter Kit – includes a sig fig poster, slides, and activities to boost your math unit. T-Chart Slides: Grab the activity I use to help students develop Chemistry vocabulary on their own. 🧪 Paid Resource: Scientific Measurement Bundle on TPT – editable slides, fill-in notes, quiz-quiz-trade cards, a sig fig cheat sheet, and 3 teacher-created videos. 🎁 Free T-Chart Slides: Grab the activity I use to help students develop Chemistry vocabulary on their own. Next time, I’ll be sharing the ways ChatGPT has made my teaching life easier—from lesson planning to lab prep. Don’t miss it!