CHEM 3400: The Teaching and Learning of Chemistry
Course Summary:
An introduction to the methods of effective chemistry teaching in
both the classroom and laboratory settings. Current chemical
education research literature on topics such as theories of teaching,
active learning strategies, misconceptions, multiculturalism,
laboratory design, demonstrations, and assessment will be
introduced and discussed. Primary focus of the course is the
application of content and pedagogical knowledge to the practice
of teaching chemistry.
Course Objectives:
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Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols, chemical storage
and waste disposal
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Design and appropriate use of laboratory investigations,
classroom activities, and demonstrations
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Master appropriate chemistry content to be prepared to teach
accurate science content to a diverse student population in a
secondary school setting

Develop teaching strategies to effectively communicate
abstract and complex chemical concepts to a diverse student
population
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Successful enactment of supervised instructional activities in
actual classroom settings to gain experience in presentation
skills, self-confidence and classroom management.
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Learn and apply current instructional technologies to the
teaching of chemistry
Description of Activities:
1) Locate, read, discuss, and reflect upon relevant journal articles
from the chemical education research literature
2) Develop and enact a pedagogically sound, standards-based
lesson appropriate for secondary level students
3) Develop a safety, chemical storage, and waste disposal plan that
is consistent with appropriate federal, state, and regional chemical
hygiene policies
4) Teach, assess, and reflect upon a three-hour laboratory
experience in a CHEM 1211L or 1212L section. Additionally, the
student will observe and reflect upon the teaching of his/her
colleague during another laboratory session.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in CHEM 1212 and 1212L
Course Calendar (tentative):
Week of Jan 10:
Pedagogy: Effective Teacher Characteristics
Content: Measurement, Conversions, Atomic Theory, Periodicity
Readings: Pedagogical Content Knowledge
Week of Jan 17:
Pedagogy: Effective Teaching Strategies: Teacher-Centered Model
Content: Bonding, Nomenclature, Resonance
Readings: Misconceptions in Chemistry
Week of Jan 24:
Pedagogy: Effective Teaching Strategies: Student-Centered Model
Content: Stoichiometry, Reactions, Solutions
Readings: Learning Theory (Piaget, constructivism)
Week of Feb 1:
Pedagogy: Learning Theories of Students
Content: Thermochemistry, Thermodynamics
Readings: Laboratory Design, Implementation, and Assessment
Week of Feb 7:
Pedagogy: Educational Technologies I: Web Resources and
Webpage Design
Content: Gases, Equilibrium (Gaseous, Solution, Solubility)
Readings: Demonstrations-Design and Implementation
Week of Feb 14:
Student Mini-lessons: Enactment of 10-15 minute demonstration
Content: Acids and Bases, Buffers
Readings: National and State Content and Inquiry Standards
Write Self-reflection paper for mini-lesson
Week of Feb 21:
Student Mini-lessons: Enactment of 10-15 minute demonstration
Content: Kinetics
Readings: Problem Solving Strategies in Chemistry
Write Self-reflection paper for mini-lesson
Week of Feb 28:
Pedagogy: Classroom Management Strategies
Content: Electrochemistry
Readings: Assessment Strategies
MIDTERM EXAM
Week of March 7:
SPRING BREAK- No Classes
Week of March 14:
Chemical Storage, Waste Disposal, Laboratory Safety
Readings: OSHA, EPA requirements, MSDS
Laboratory Safety Plan
Week of March 21:
Supervised Laboratory Instruction- Chem 1211L session
Observation of Laboratory Instruction
Reflection papers on teaching experience
Week of March 28:
Supervised Laboratory Instruction- Chem 1211L session
Observation of Laboratory Instruction
Reflection papers on teaching experience
Week of April 4:
Pedagogy: Professional Collaboration and Development
Content: Intra/Intermolecular Forces, States of Matter
Readings: Instructional Technologies
Week of April 11:
Pedagogy: Assessment
Content: Kinetics
Readings: Multiculturalism and Diversity
Week of April 18:
Pedagogy: Instructional Technologies
Content: Organic Chemistry
Readings: Curriculum Design
Week of May 1:
FINAL EXAM-Content and Pedagogy
Assessment:
Class Participation
Weekly Content Quizzes
Class Presentation and Reflection Paper
Midterm
Supervised Teaching Experience and Reflection Paper
Laboratory Safety Plan
Final Exam
10%
20%
10%
15%
20%
5%
20%
Attendance: Mandatory due to the interactive and discussion-based format. Each
absence (excused or unexcused) beyond two for the semester will result in a deduction of
2% from the final grade.
Grading Scale:
>89.5%
79.6-89.4%
69.6-79.4%
59.6%-69.5%
<59.5%
A
B
C
D
F
Required Texts and Readings:
1) ChemSource, SourceBook, Ver.2, Vol 1-4, American
Chemical Society, Education Division, Washington
D.C. (1994)
2) Journal of Chemical Education, Online Subscription.
http://jchemed.chem.wisc.edu
Expected Roles:
Teacher:
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

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Lead weekly discussions over assigned readings
Teach appropriate chemistry content
Write and assess weekly quizzes, midterm, and final exams
Supervise and provide feedback for field teaching experiences
Provide access to appropriate resources necessary for student success
Meet class at scheduled times
Mentor current and prospective chemistry education majors
Student:
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Attend all scheduled class meetings
Complete all assigned readings prior to the discussion date
Actively participate in class discussions and activities
Reflect upon self and peer teaching experiences
Demonstrate content knowledge commensurate with course expectations
Course Highlights:
This course is directed towards those students who have a career interest in
teaching chemistry after graduating from KSU. Class meetings will include hands-on
activities where demonstrations and laboratory investigations are designed, enacted, and
assessed as well as discussions about research-based best practices in the presentation of
chemistry concepts to diverse student populations. Time will also be devoted to ensuring
that essential chemistry content such as electrochemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics, and
bonding are thoroughly understood so that they can be communicated effectively in the
classroom. Students will be given opportunities to teach current KSU students enrolled
in general chemistry laboratory courses under the supervision of a chemistry faculty
member.