Things to do on the first day of inorganic class!
This is a collection that will help when you are deciding how to introduce inorganic chemistry and/or assess prior knowledge in your inorganic class on the first day.
Fluorine Azide and Fluorine Nitrate: Structure and Bonding
Description
This literature discussion was written for a foundation-level inorganic chemistry course to accompany the material on Lewis structures. It utilizes a communication-length article on fluorine azide and fluorine nitrate. The assignment is divided into two parts: a set of questions for students to answer BEFORE they read the communication and then a set of questions that they answer after reading the article.
The Potential and Cost of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Description
These slides were originally developed as a part of an Earth Week presentation for a general audience, but can also be used as part of a general chemistry course or any course with electrochemistry. They provide a modern context and relevance to how lithium-ion batteries are produced and function.
Games Throughout the Inorganic Chemistry Curriculum
This collection includes several games and activities suitable for instructional use in the classroom or laboratory. In a recent Inorganic Chemistry editorial, Zachary Thammavongsy and Madalyn Radlauer describe the use of educational games as a tool for active learning. The full article may be found at https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.2c02544
You are encouraged to explore the items below, and use them as is (or with modifications) in your classroom or laboratory. Have fun!
Exploring a non-traditional path in STEM: Dr. Vincent Lavallo
Description
The slides are geared for students at any level of chemistry. The objective is to give an example of a scholar who followed a non-traditional path to becoming a professor, working while taking classes, taking more time to graduate, and becoming an accomplished researcher. An activity based on obtaining information from a group website is attached at the end of the slides. The hope is to have students obtain information relevant to a certain PI and hopefully will help them make future choices.
Elements Blog Project
Description
Lattice Structures Visualizer
Description
This Lattice Structures Visualizer is useful to see simple cubic, body-centered cubic, face-centered cubic, NaCl, CaF2, and hcp lattice structures. You can add atoms/ions layer by layer, break them apart into individual unit cells, and perform other modifications to better observe the structures without physical models. I use this routinely in my general and inorganic chemistry classes.
VIPEr Fellows 2022 Workshop Favorites
The second cohort of VIPEr fellows pulled together learning objects that they've used and liked or want to try the next time they teach their inorganic courses.
SLiThEr #36: CUREs in Chemistry
Description
Kari Stone (Lewis University) and Kyle Grice (DePaul University) discuss the implementation of course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) at their schools.
SLiThEr #35: Teaching Inorganic Chemistry - A Live Discussion from MARM 2022
Description
Chip Nataro (Lafayette College) leads a live discussion at MARM 2022 held at the College of New Jersey. Topics include what is taught in inorganic chemistry courses and labs as well as the IONiC community in general.