Celebrate CCEW the week of April 20–26 with the theme “Glaciers: Hot Topic, Cool Chemistry!” This year’s topic of glaciers reflects the United Nations’ designation of 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation. Glaciers play a crucial role in regulating the global climate, providing a source of freshwater, shaping landscapes, preserving clues about Earth’s climate history, and more!
Applications for the AACT Teacher of the Year are open! There are two awards: The AACT K–8 Science Teacher of the Year and the AACT High School Chemistry Teacher of the Year. Each winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize and a complimentary AACT membership renewal. Apply by April 25. Learn more »
AACT GOVERNING BOARD SELF-NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
Do you want to get more involved with AACT and the chemistry education community? Nominate yourself for one of the following positions:
President-Elect
Committee Representative
High School Ambassador
Middle School Ambassador
Elementary School Ambassador
Self-nominations will close April 28. Learn more »
ASK US YOUR TEACHING QUESTION!
What's on your mind? Submit your teaching questions and classroom woes to Dear Labby, our Chemistry Solutions advice column. If selected, one of our teaching experts will respond in a future issue. Ask now »
POPULAR RESOURCES FOR TEACHING ACIDS AND BASES
Check out our featured resources for teachers working on an Acids and Bases unit plan.
APPLY FOR THE SCIENCE COACHES PROGRAM!
Applications are open for the 2025–2026 Science Coaches program! Teachers and coaches from all states and territories in the US are encouraged to apply! Teachers, apply now for the opportunity to collaborate throughout the school year with a chemistry professional who can help you bring chemistry to life for your students. If selected, you will receive a $550 gift certificate for Flinn Scientific to enhance your science classroom. K–12 teachers of science and chemistry are eligible to participate. Visit the Science Coaches page to learn more about program benefits and requirements. Apply now »
Are you a chemistry professional who would like to volunteer as a coach? Apply here »
AACT MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: SHANNON SMITH
Every month we feature a passionate member dedicated to enhancing chemistry inside and outside the classroom. This month, we spotlight Shannon Smith, a chemistry teacher at The Summit Country Day School in Ohio. Read now »
UPCOMING WEBINARS
April 10, 7 PM ET Using Google Sheets and GIFs to Enhance Chemistry Instruction
This webinar will give an overview of different lessons and activities that use conditional formatting in Google Sheets to explore introductory chemistry. Register » April 17, 7 PM ET Info Session with Q&A: AACT Governance Positions and Awards
Each spring, AACT opens up applications for governing board positions and the teacher of the year award. Elliot Richman, Nominating & Awards Committee Representative, and Amiee Modic, President-Elect, will share with you some basic information and tips about the applications and answer any questions you have! Register »
May 1, 7 PM ET Moving from Description to Explanation with Molecular Level Visualization and the VisChem Approach
In this webinar you will briefly experience the VisChem Approach, learn how it is used in secondary chemistry classrooms, join the VisChem community of practice, and access a searchable hub of free resources that support the use of dynamic, molecular-level visualizations. Register »
May 22, 7 PM ET Triple the Tricks: 3 Easy Ways to Master Metric Conversions!
Dive into stoichiometry and conversions with an overview of tips and techniques that simplify teaching significant figures and scientific notation, including the rules for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division! Shirley Vides will present three different methods of conversion, followed by a more in-depth look at her Metric Conversion Ladder handout. Ideas for lesson plans will be shared with attendees. Register »
NCW LESSON PLAN CONTEST - EARN $200! We're excited to offer a content writing opportunity for K–12 teachers of chemistry! Participants will submit an idea for an exciting and unique National Chemistry Week (NCW) themed lesson plan. The upcoming 2025 theme is "Spices: The Hidden Life of Spices." Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis. AACT will select winning lesson plan ideas that are appropriate for elementary science, middle school science, or high school chemistry. Winning lessons will be published in the AACT Classroom Resource Library and featured on social media. All winners will earn a $200 gift card and a NCW goody bag for their participation! Submit your idea by September 1. Learn more and submit your lesson »
WRITE FOR CHEMISTRY SOLUTIONS! Write for a future issue of Chemistry Solutions! Share your story with us, and the editorial team will work with you on creating an article. Submit your idea »
SUBMIT YOUR AP CHEMISTRY TEACHING RESOURCES AP chemistry teaching resources are an important member benefit of AACT. Currently we are looking for new and unique ideas related to select AP Topics and Learning Objectives to help grow the AP section of the AACT classroom resource library. This month, we invite you to submit an original AP chemistry teaching resource idea related to the following topics:
7.11: Introduction to Solubility Equilibria
7.12: Common-Ion Effect
8.1: Introduction to Acids and Bases
8.6: Molecular Structure of Acids and Bases
9.2: Absolute Entropy and Entropy Change
9.6: Free Energy of Dissolution
Earn a $200 gift card upon selection and submission completion! Learn more »
EARN $200 FOR A TEACHING RESOURCE Are you using a unique lesson plan, lab, activity, or project in your classroom this year? Share an overview of it with us for the opportunity to publish it in our Classroom Resource Library and earn a $200 gift card! View the submission form full details.
SAFER SCIENCE™ SUMMITS 2025 The K-12 STEAM Safer Science Summit is a free immersive event focused on enhancing the understanding of government and state lab safety regulations and the compliance with and implementation of safety protocols within STEAM education environments. Learn more about a summit near you.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR BCCE 2026 The 29th BCCE will be held on the lakeside campus of the University of Wisconsin–Madison July 26-30, 2026. The conference, like all of its predecessors, provides the chemistry education community with opportunities to interact and engage. The conference will be a mixture of symposia, workshops, poster sessions, exhibits, and spaces for both formal and informal conversations.
APPLY FOR AN ACS-HACH HIGH SCHOOL CHEMISTRY CLASSROOM GRANT Need funding to enhance your chemistry classroom? The ACS-Hach High School Chemistry Classroom Grant provides up to $1,800 to support innovative teaching ideas, lab equipment, instructional materials, professional development, and student field studies. Since 2008, over 700 high school chemistry teachers have received funding to bring engaging chemistry experiences to their students. Applications for the 2025-2026 school year close June 1. Learn more »
EXPLORE CHEMISTRY CAREERS WITH THE CHEMICAL TECHNICAL PROFESSIONALS CAREER QUIZ Help your students discover exciting chemistry-related careers that don’t require a four-year degree! The Chemical Technical Professionals Career Quiz introduces students to a variety of skilled technical workforce (STW) jobs that use STEM knowledge in hands-on ways. Pair the quiz with our new Careers in the Skilled Technical Workforce classroom activity, where students explore career options through articles, videos, and career websites while reflecting on their own goals. Check out this engaging resource and inspire your students to explore new career paths!
Applications for the AACT Teacher of the Year are now open! There are two awards: The AACT K–8 Science Teacher of the Year and the AACT High School Chemistry Teacher of the Year. Each winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize and a complimentary AACT membership renewal. Apply by April 25. Learn more and apply »
AACT GOVERNING BOARD SELF-NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
Do you want to get more involved with AACT and the chemistry education community? Nominate yourself for one of the following positions:
President-Elect
Committee Representative
High School Ambassador
Middle School Ambassador
Elementary School Ambassador
Self-nominations will close April 28. Learn more »
WRITE FOR CHEMISTRY SOLUTIONS!
Did you enjoy this issue of Chemistry Solutions? You can write for a future issue and share your story with your peers. Share your story with us, and the editorial team will work with you on creating an article. Submit your idea »
CELEBRATE WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH WITH CHEMISTRY
In celebration of Women's History Month, AACT has put together a collection of teaching resources for use in the chemistry classroom. These resources will help students learn about the significant contributions to chemistry by many incredible women.
LAST CHANCE TO GET $200 WITH THE CHEMISTS CELEBRATE EARTH WEEK LESSON PLAN CONTEST
Submit a unique lesson plan for Chemists Celebrate Earth Week (CCEW) and the 2025 theme Glaciers: Hot Topic, Cool Chemistry! All winners will earn a $200 gift card and a CCEW goody bag! Winning lessons will be published in the AACT Classroom Resource Library and featured on social media. Hurry! This opportunity ends March 24.Learn more »
UPCOMING WEBINARS
March 11, 7 PM ET Authentic Assessment for Lewis Structures and Intermolecular Forces It can be difficult to create a rigorous and accurate assessment that tests the knowledge and skills a student has gained over the course of a unit. During this webinar, a chemistry teacher will navigate you through the process as she shares her unit on Lewis structures and intermolecular forces that culminates in an authentic assessment. Register »
April 10, 7 PM ET Using Google Sheets and GIFs to Enhance Chemistry Instruction This webinar will give an overview of different lessons and activities that use conditional formatting in Google Sheets to explore introductory chemistry. Register »
May 1, 7 PM ET Moving from Description to Explanation with Molecular Level Visualization and the VisChem Approach In this webinar you will briefly experience the VisChem Approach, learn how it is used in secondary chemistry classrooms, join the VisChem community of practice, and access a searchable hub of free resources that support the use of dynamic, molecular-level visualizations. Register »
Missed a webinar? Members can view past webinars in the archive »
NEW WEB FEATURE: MY NOTIFICATIONS ICYMI: We launched a new web feature enabling AACT members to receive customized content alerts from teachchemistry.org. Log in to discover 'My Notifications," and click on the link below to learn more about using this new feature. Additionally, AACT members can utilize this feature to opt in to receive notifications for all new and updated classroom resources. Learn more »
JOIN US FOR K-12 CHEMISTRY TEACHER DAY AT ACS SPRING 2025 IN SAN DIEGO ACS Spring 2025 will bring together chemistry professionals, educators, and students worldwide to discover and share research, network, and advance their careers in San Diego, CA March 23-27. On Sunday, March 23 there will be a day of programming for K-12 chemistry teachers. Join us for lesson plans, ideas for labs, meeting fellow teachers, a free gift bag, and a chance to win an AACT membership. Learn more about the morning session and the afternoon session.
ASK US YOUR TEACHING QUESTION! What's on your mind? Submit your teaching questions and classroom woes to Dear Labby, our Chemistry Solutions advice column. If selected, one of our teaching experts will respond in a future issue. Ask now »
AACT MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: ROBERT AYTON Every month we feature a passionate member dedicated to enhancing chemistry inside and outside the classroom. This month, we spotlight Robert Ayton, a chemistry teacher at Redeemer Christian School in Florida. Read now »
SUBMIT YOUR AP CHEMISTRY TEACHING RESOURCES AP chemistry teaching resources are an important member benefit of AACT. Currently we are looking for new and unique ideas related to select AP Topics and Learning Objectives to help grow the AP section of the AACT classroom resource library. This month, we invite you to submit an original AP chemistry teaching resource idea related to the following topics:
6.2: Energy Diagrams
6.3: Heat Transfer and Thermal Equilibrium
6.5: Energy of Phase Changes
6.7: Bond Enthalpies
6.8: Enthalpy of Formation
Earn a $200 gift card upon selection and submission completion! Learn more »
EARN $200 FOR A TEACHING RESOURCE Are you using a unique lesson plan, lab, activity, or project in your classroom this year? Share an overview of it with us for the opportunity to publish it in our Classroom Resource Library and earn a $200 gift card! View the submission form full details.
EXPLORE CHEMISTRY CAREERS WITH THE CHEMICAL TECHNICAL PROFESSIONALS CAREER QUIZ Help your students discover exciting chemistry-related careers that don’t require a four-year degree! The Chemical Technical Professionals Career Quiz introduces students to a variety of skilled technical workforce (STW) jobs that use STEM knowledge in hands-on ways. Pair the quiz with our new Careers in the Skilled Technical Workforce classroom activity, where students explore career options through articles, videos, and career websites while reflecting on their own goals. Check out this engaging resource and inspire your students to explore new career paths!
APPLY FOR AN ACS-HACH HIGH SCHOOL CHEMISTRY CLASSROOM GRANT Need funding to enhance your chemistry classroom? The ACS-Hach High School Chemistry Classroom Grant provides up to $1,800 to support innovative teaching ideas, lab equipment, instructional materials, professional development, and student field studies. Since 2008, over 700 high school chemistry teachers have received funding to bring engaging chemistry experiences to their students. Applications for the 2025-2026 school year close June 1. Learn more »
ENCOURAGE YOUR STUDENTS TO APPLY FOR PROJECT SEED Project SEED offers high school students hands-on summer research experiences in chemistry through in-person and virtual opportunities. Participants gain exposure to real-world science, prepare for college, and explore STEM careers. Applications are open now with selections in April and May. Encourage your students to apply and stay informed by filling out the interest form on the Project SEED website. For questions, contact [email protected].
NOT AN AACT MEMBER? JOIN TODAY! Like the newsletter but not a member? It's never too late to join! Gain access to more than 1,100 classroom resources, a library of professional learning webinars, subscriptions to ChemMatters magazine and Chemistry Solutions, and more.
AACT — FEBRUARY 2025 NEWS IN THE FEBRUARY ISSUE OF CHEMMATTERS MAGAZINE
Can Plants Fuel Champions? Plant-based diets are becoming more and more popular among athletes. What are the advantages, or drawbacks, to eating a plant-based diet and what impact might a plant-based diet have on athletic performance?
Beyond Glass Making Wood Transparent A cracked phone screen can ruin your day. Could a wooden screen solve the problem? Making wood transparent means removing the colored compounds in wood called lignins and then filling in the air pockets with polymers.
We are pleased to share a new web feature enabling AACT members to receive customized content alerts from teachchemistry.org. Log in to discover 'My Notifications', available now, and click on the link below to learn more about using this new feature. Learn more »
CHEMISTS CELEBRATE EARTH WEEK LESSON PLAN CONTEST – EARN $200!
Submit a unique lesson plan honoring Chemists Celebrate Earth Week (CCEW) and the 2025 theme Glaciers: Hot Topic, Cool Chemistry! All winners will earn a $200 gift card and a CCEW goody bag! Winning lessons will be published in the AACT Classroom Resource Library and featured on social media. Submit your idea by March 24. Learn more »
CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH LESSONS ON INSPIRING BLACK CHEMISTS!
Incorporate Black History Month into your chemistry lessons with our Landmark Lesson Plan collection, highlighting the achievements of pioneering Black chemists:
Bettye Washington Greene – One of the few African American women to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry in the 1960s, Greene made significant contributions to polymer chemistry.
Marie Maynard Daly – The first Black woman in the U.S. to earn a doctorate in chemistry, Daly conducted groundbreaking research on the effects of diet on heart health.
Percy Julian – A trailblazing synthetic chemist who overcame discrimination to revolutionize steroid medicine production and lead industrial research.
Norbert Rillieux – A chemical engineer credited with developing an innovative process for isolating sugar crystals from sugarcane, transforming the sugar industry.
Bring these scientists’ stories into your classroom and inspire students with their contributions. Explore the lesson plans and celebrate Black History Month through chemistry.
WRITE FOR CHEMISTRY SOLUTIONS!
The 2025 issues of Chemistry Solutions are coming soon! You can write for a future issue and share your story with your peers. Share your story with us, and the editorial team will work with you on creating an article. Submit your idea »
UPCOMING WEBINARS February 11, 7 PM ET
An Experimental and Case Studies Approach to Teaching Chemical Principles Using Applications in Archaeology and Art This presentation will describe recent efforts to integrate the study of chemical principles with the characterization, authentication, restoration, and conservation of artistic materials of cultural heritage significance in a multidisciplinary course designed for high school students. Register »
March 11, 7 PM ET
Authentic Assessment for Lewis Structures and Intermolecular Forces It can be difficult to create a rigorous and accurate assessment that tests the knowledge and skills a student has gained over the course of a unit. During this webinar, a chemistry teacher will navigate you through the process as she shares her unit on Lewis structures and intermolecular forces that culminates in an authentic assessment. Register »
May 1, 7 PM ET
Moving from Description to Explanation with Molecular Level Visualization and the VisChem Approach In this webinar you will briefly experience the VisChem Approach, learn how it is used in secondary chemistry classrooms, join the VisChem community of practice, and access a searchable hub of free resources that support the use of dynamic, molecular-level visualizations. Register »
Missed a webinar? Members can view past webinars in the archive »
ASK US YOUR TEACHING QUESTION! What's on your mind? Submit your teaching questions and classroom woes to Dear Labby, our Chemistry Solutions advice column. If selected, one of our teaching experts will respond in a future issue. Ask now »
AACT MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: NOURHAN AHMED Every month we feature a passionate member dedicated to enhancing chemistry inside and outside the classroom. This month, we spotlight Nourhan Ahmed Alsharkawy, chemistry teacher for the UAE Ministry of Education. Read now »
CONGRATULATIONS TO PAEMST WINNERS On January 13, 306 STEM teachers were announced as recipients of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. We are proud to congratulate the following AACT members who received this honor:
Ariel Serkin
Autumn Rivera
Claudia Troxel
Jill Christman
Johanna Brown
John Tietjen
Kathryn Dornbos
Lisa Kern
Mary Maris
Anjana Iyer
Rachel Stagner
Jennifer Jones
Heather Voss
Amanda Horan
K-12 CHEMISTRY TEACHER DAY AT ACS SPRING 2025 ACS Spring 2025 will bring together chemistry professionals, educators, and students worldwide to discover and share research, network, and advance their careers. This hybrid event is an excellent opportunity for professionals and students to showcase their work and connect with colleagues in all areas of chemistry. Attend in San Diego, CA or virtually March 23-27.
On Sunday, March 23 there will be a day of programming for K-12 chemistry teachers. Join us for lesson plans, ideas for labs, meeting fellow teachers, a free gift bag, and a chance to win an AACT membership. More information to come!
SUBMIT YOUR AP CHEMISTRY TEACHING RESOURCES AP chemistry teaching resources are an important member benefit of AACT. Currently we are looking for new and unique ideas related to select AP Topics and Learning Objectives to help grow the AP section of the AACT classroom resource library. This month, we invite you to submit an original AP chemistry teaching resource idea related to the following topics:
6.2: Energy Diagrams
6.3: Heat Transfer and Thermal Equilibrium
6.5: Energy of Phase Changes
6.7: Bond Enthalpies
6.8: Enthalpy of Formation
If selected, you will earn a $200 gift card upon completion of the submission process! Learn more »
EARN $200 FOR A TEACHING RESOURCE Are you using a unique lesson plan, lab, activity, or project in your classroom this year? Share an overview of it with us for the opportunity to publish it in our Classroom Resource Library and earn a $200 gift card! View the submission form full details.
EXPLORE CHEMISTRY CAREERS WITH THE CHEMICAL TECHNICAL PROFESSIONALS CAREER QUIZ Help your students discover exciting chemistry-related careers that don’t require a four-year degree! The Chemical Technical Professionals Career Quiz introduces students to a variety of skilled technical workforce (STW) jobs that use STEM knowledge in hands-on ways. Pair the quiz with our new Careers in the Skilled Technical Workforce classroom activity, where students explore career options through articles, videos, and career websites while reflecting on their own goals. Check out this engaging resource and inspire your students to explore new career paths!
APPLY FOR AN ACS-HACH HIGH SCHOOL CHEMISTRY CLASSROOM GRANT Need funding to enhance your chemistry classroom? The ACS-Hach High School Chemistry Classroom Grant provides up to $1,800 to support innovative teaching ideas, lab equipment, instructional materials, professional development, and student field studies. Since 2008, over 700 high school chemistry teachers have received funding to bring engaging chemistry experiences to their students. Applications for the 2025-2026 school year close June 1. Learn more »
ENCOURAGE YOUR STUDENTS TO APPLY FOR PROJECT SEED Project SEED offers high school students hands-on summer research experiences in chemistry through in-person and virtual opportunities. Participants gain exposure to real-world science, prepare for college, and explore STEM careers. Applications open February 10 with selections in April and May. Encourage your students to apply and stay informed by filling out the interest form on the Project SEED website. For questions, contact [email protected].
