On the Web: Chemistry for a Changing World

SciLinks®

SciLinks® is a web-based service from NSTA that provides online content chosen to augment printed articles and books. It does so through keywords; the keywords for this issue are:

• Acids and Bases
• Cell Membranes

NSTA Calendar

The NSTA Calendar lists the following opportunities relating to Chemistry for a Changing World. To learn about other science-education events and opportunities, click here.

• National Chemistry Week
  In correlation with National Chemistry Week, the American Chemical Society invites educators, students, and the community to participate in local events and use national resources to encourage an interest in science. This year’s theme is “Chemistry—It’s Elemental!”
  
  
• Vernier Software & Technology’s Fall Workshops
  Science teachers in 41 U.S. cities can sharpen their teaching and technology skills and gain experience in making science instruction hands-on by attending one of Vernier Software and Technology’s free workshops. Hands-on workshops provide skills for integrating data collection and analysis as a part of teaching core science topics. Vernier trainers and attendees will explore the many ways that data-collection technology can be used to enhance learning in any chemistry, biology, physics, math, middle school science, physical science, or Earth science classroom. Participants can earn continuing education units (CEU) and science graduate credit hours.
  
  
• Ground Water Institutes for Teachers
  Ground water and water wells can provide a learning laboratory for children, not only in science, but also in other areas of the school curriculum. Held in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey, American Ground Water Trust (AGWT) programs will be offered around the nation. The two-day course will cover water resources concepts at the middle and high school levels and provide information for class use. Field trips, presentations, demonstrations, discussions, and handouts will touch on chemistry, Earth science, environmental science, physics, biology/ecology, math, and civics. Continuing education units (CEU) are available.
  
  
• Coal Ash in the Classroom: An Online Course
  The interactive Coal Ash in the Classroom course will take you behind the scenes of coal-based energy production to learn what happens to the by-products. Designed for educators seeking continuing education credits, the course offers a blend of chemistry, geography, and engineering. Students learn from and participate in self-checks, video/audio and text-based lectures, quizzes, animation, and graphical elements.
  
  
• Partners in Science Grant Program
  High school science teachers can receive $15,000 to conduct cutting-edge research for two summers under the guidance of a research mentor. Administered by the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, the program is open to science fields such as chemistry, biology, physics, environmental science, and others. Natural sciences teachers from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington are eligible.
  

Science Teachers’ Grab Bag

The Grab Bag features online resources relating to Chemistry for a Changing World. To learn about other resources and services, click here.

• American Chemical Society’s Bytesize Science Podcasts
  The American Chemical Society (ACS)’s award-winning kid- and teen-friendly chemistry podcast series, Bytesize Science, has new high-definition video episodes to offer. Download audio and video episodes, or subscribe to the podcast on iTunes. New episodes of the video podcasts will be posted the first Wednesday of every month, and new episodes of the audio podcast will appear biweekly.
  
  
• The Science Behind Fireworks
  Fireworks are not just an exciting show: They are also chemistry! Learn about the science behind fireworks displays with the Reactions in Chemistry “Energetics and Dynamics” workshop.
  
  
• Distillations Podcast
  Distillations, a weekly science podcast from the Chemical Heritage Foundation, presents extracts from the past, present, and future of chemistry. Current and archived episodes offer a historical perspective on current scientific issues through interviews, monologues, reviews, and other features.
  
  
• Chemistry Lessons About Fire
  The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) has partnered with Discovery Education to create an in-school program geared toward high school chemistry students titled “The Chemistry of Fire.” The program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and aligns with the National Science Education Standards. It teaches students the science behind fire to help them fully understand its dangers.
  
  
• The Chlorine Tree
  The Chlorine Chemistry Council has produced a web-based tool to help kids understand the ways that chlorine chemistry affects their everyday lives. Visitors to the site can “explore the branches of the chlorine tree” through activities featuring photographs, videos, animation, sound, and text.