Organic chemistry.  Just the name can send shivers down the spines of even the most enthusiastic students. It’s often perceived as a vast, intimidating landscape of abstract concepts, a new language with an extensive new vocabulary, and a whole lot of memorization.  But fear not, fellow educators! This ‘how to teach organic chemistry’ post is your guide to making organic chemistry accessible, engaging, and maybe even…dare we say…enjoyable for your students, whether they’re tackling it for the first time in high school, prepping for pre-med exams, or diving into advanced levels as undergraduate students.

how to teach organic chemistry

Why the Organic Chemistry Overwhelm?

Let’s face it, organic chemistry isn’t just about memorizing the names of the molecules (though there’s plenty of that!).  It’s about truly understanding why organic reactions happen, visualizing complex molecular structures in three-dimensional space, and applying this organic chemistry knowledge to predict the outcomes of chemical processes.  It’s about understanding the behavior of organic molecules, from the smallest alkanes to complex polymers like polyunsaturated fats. That’s a lot to ask, especially when students are juggling other demanding scientific disciplines.  Many students see it as a second language, requiring them to learn not only a new vocabulary but also new ways of thinking about chemical reactions at the molecular level.

Laying the Foundation: General Chemistry is Key

Before diving headfirst into the intricacies of the organic chemistry curriculum, ensure students have a solid foundation in general chemistry (gen chem).  A good grasp of basic chemical structures, electronic structures, VSEPR theory, covalent bonding (single bonds, double bonds, and even the concept of lone pairs), and the properties of hydrogen atoms, carbon atoms, and the oxygen atom is crucial.  Understanding gen chem concepts like acid equations, pKa values, and patterns of acid reactions is essential prior knowledge.  Think of gen chem as the foundation upon which all organic chemistry knowledge is built.  It’s a good idea to review relevant content from gen chem, especially if it’s been a while since students have covered it.

how to teach organic chemistry

how to teach organic chemistry

How to teach organic chemistry

1. Molecular Models: Molecular models are, without a doubt, the most effective way to teach organic chemistry.  Seeing organic compounds and organic molecules in 3D space is a game-changer.  Students can physically manipulate the atoms, visualize different functional groups (like carboxylic acids and the OH group), understand optical isomers, and grasp difficult concepts like chirality much better.  

Invest in molecular model kits for your students.  It’s a good way to solidify their students’ understanding of molecular structures.

 2. Visual Aids and Interactive Simulations: Organic chemistry is a visual subject.  Use diagrams, flowcharts, 3D models, and interactive simulations to illustrate reaction mechanisms and chemical reactions.  Online resources like Khan Academy, PhET Simulations and YouTube videos offer a treasure trove of ready-made visuals and explanations.

Incorporate technology into your teaching, such as interactive simulations, molecular modeling software, and online resources.  This can make learning more engaging and accessible for students. 

3. Breaking it Down:  Don’t try to cover everything at once.  Break down complex topics into smaller, more manageable chunks.  For example, instead of trying to cover all functional groups in one go, spend time just looking at alcohols, reactions to form alcohols, and reactions of alcohols before moving onto another functional group. 

 4. Relating to Real-World Applications: Relate organic chemistry to real-world applications, such as drug discovery, the synthesis of organic salts, and the role of organic chemicals in living things. This helps students see the significant impact of organic chemistry in their daily lives and makes the abstract concepts more tangible.  Discuss how organic chemistry knowledge is used in medical school and in various scientific disciplines. For example, discuss the use of esters in making perfumes.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice: Organic chemistry is a skill that requires a lot of practice.  Provide plenty of practice problems, problem sets, and choice questions.  Encourage students to work through synthesis problems and mechanisms of substitution reactions.  The more they practice, the more confident they will become. This is particularly important for becoming familiar with IUPAC naming conventions.

When I teach organic chemistry, I teach the first part just before the school break and give students home learning that is just practicing the IUPAC naming and drawing conventions for organic molecules so when they come back they are well practiced and ready to delve deeper.

6. Understanding Reaction Mechanisms:  Don’t just focus on memorizing reaction mechanisms.  Emphasize the why – why do electrons move? What are electrophiles and nucleophiles?  Understanding the underlying principles is much more powerful than rote memorization.  Use curved arrows to show electron movement and explain the different ways that reactions can occur.

7. Nomenclature and Functional Groups: Mastering the names of the molecules and recognizing different functional groups is essential.  Use flashcards, games, and other creative methods to help students learn this extensive new vocabulary.

8. Keep it organized: This topic can become chaotic. It is important for students to have a really organized set of notes and activities they can come back to revise. For this, I like to use this workbook. Students like having a printed workbook for this topic and it helps them study and revise material in an ongoing manner.

how to teach organic chemistry 

How to teach organic chemistry – Advanced Concepts

For undergraduate students and those preparing for med school and pre-med exams, delve into more advanced topics like the recognition domain of memory, electronic structures, and the intricacies of polar reactions.  Discuss the application of organic chemistry to drug discovery and other cutting-edge research.  Cover topics like PKA values in detail and explain how they affect chemical reactions.  Help students understand the connection between organic chemistry and other areas of science.

how to teach organic chemistry 

Conclusion

Organic chemistry is a challenging subject, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.  Knowing how to teach organic chemistry by using these strategies and resources can help your students unlock the secrets of carbon and develop a deep appreciation for this fascinating field.  

Good luck, and remember, you’re not just teaching organic chemistry; you’re inspiring the next generation of scientists, doctors, and innovators.

how to teach organic chemistry

Note: Always consult your school’s specific safety guidelines and policies, and seek guidance from experienced colleagues or administrators when in doubt about safety protocols.

About the Author

Station activities for middle school

The science reading comprehension worksheets with questions are a great resource to have on hand for all classroom teachers to add to lesson plans, use for sub lessons, homework assignments or as early finisher activities. Science reading worksheets are a perfect addition to your teaching toolbox as they will develop students’ reading comprehension skills and their ability to think critically about real-world issues.

Science literacy and reading comprehension is very important to include into our science curriculum in order to ensure our students become globally aware citizens. To be able to read science-related texts on diverse topics, and draw meaning and understanding from them is an essential skill that students should develop throughout their schooling years. This skill will have a significant impact on students ability to be globally aware citizens.

Science reading comprehension passages contain an informational text (nonfiction article) and a series of text-based comprehension questions as well as some more critical thinking comprehension discussion questions.

What is included in the science reading comprehension worksheets with questions?

• Short passage in an article style (non-fiction text) at three differentiated reading levels (grade 7, grade 8 and grade 9 reading level)
• Series of differentiated comprehension and critical thinking question sheets related to the passage.
• Print and digital (google slides) versions included.
• Teacher answer key.

Why use the science reading comprehension worksheets with questions?

• Low prep! Just print and go or use the digital resource activity in Google slides.
• Comes with three different levels of reading passage and questions.
• Helps develop student critical thinking skills
• Perfect to have on hand for when you have to leave an emergency sub lesson.
• Can be used in a wide range of teaching environments including the traditional classroom, independent work, distance learning, online learning, homework or for an earth science sub plan lesson.
• Can be used for a wide range of subjects including earth day, earth sciences, general science, geography, marine biology etc
• Teacher answer key is included.

Format: printable student worksheet in a pdf file. Digital student worksheet in Google Slides.

science reading comprehension worksheets

These reading passages allow students to delve into the wonders of our world and the devastating effects human activity can have. Understanding human impact on our world is crucial for students for several reasons:

1. Environmental Awareness: Learning about these topics fosters environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility for the planet. Students can understand the impact of their actions and human activity (such as pollution and over fishing) on the environment and make informed decisions.
2. Critical Thinking: Studying real world situations through articles fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students can analyze complex environmental issues, evaluate evidence, and propose solutions.
3. Future Preparedness: There are a number of pressing issues with significant implications for the future of the earth. By understanding the causes and effects, students can be better prepared to adapt to and mitigate its impacts for future generations.
4. Informed Citizenship: Knowledge empowers students to become informed citizens who can participate in discussions and decision-making processes.
5. Career Opportunities: A strong understanding of these topics and the human impact on the earth can open up career opportunities in fields that promote environmental stewardship such as environmental science, marine science etc.
6. Personal Impact: Students can consider ways to take personal action to reduce their own impacts on our natural environments. This type of lesson is great to pull at student’s heart strings by showing them how we can negatively impact the world.

science reading comprehension worksheets 

Comprehension resource topics:

• coral bleaching
• plastic pollution
• global warming
• natural disasters 

Empower young readers in the science of reading and equip them for life. 

science reading comprehension worksheets

science reading comprehension worksheets

Conclusion

Developing student skills in science-related reading comprehension is the job of every teacher. Using science articles for reading comprehension is the perfect reinforcement of these skills while helping students develop in their scientific knowledge and understanding. 

science reading comprehension worksheets

Note: Always consult your school’s specific safety guidelines and policies, and seek guidance from experienced colleagues or administrators when in doubt about safety protocols.

About the Author

Station activities for middle school

Experiments are what makes learning in science fun! But if you have a strict budget or don’t have the resources, it becomes hard to include experiments regularly in your lessons. So I’ve put together 101 cheap budget science experiments for kids! These cheap science experiments utilise common household items, inexpensive basic lab materials, or items you can get at the dollar store.  These experiments are so much fun to do at home with your kids on rainy days, or to use in a science lab on a low budget.

So sit back and relax while I give you 101 budget science experiments you can do with inexpensive materials.

 101 cheap budget science experiments for kids

101 Easy science experiments on a budget

 101 cheap budget science experiments for kids

Chemistry Experiments

Check out these cool science experiments for kids of all ages! Younger children will love the wow factor of these while elementary students can start to explore the reasons behind each chemical reaction. 

1. Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcano – Classic chemical reaction with baking soda, vinegar, and food coloring. You could do this in a plastic bottle.
2. Homemade Slime – Use glue, baking soda, and contact lens solution and mix together.
3. Lemon Volcano – Add baking soda to a halved lemon and watch the fizz.
4. Magic Milk Experiment – Add drops of food coloring to milk on a plate. Dip a cotton bud in some washing detergent and touch the surface of the milk to watch it swirl!
5. Color-Changing Cabbage – Test pH by adding vinegar or baking soda to red cabbage water.
6. Invisible Ink – Write with lemon juice, then use a heat source like a blow dryer to reveal. 
7. Balloon Inflation – Create carbon dioxide by combining baking soda and vinegar in a bottle with a balloon over the top.
8. Homemade Bath Bombs – Combine baking soda, citric acid, and essential oils. Compress into balls. 
9. Exploding Sandwich Bags – Use vinegar and baking soda in sealed bags.
10. Rock Candy Crystals – Dissolve sugar in hot water to make a saturated solution and let it crystallize on a stick.
11. Erupting Soap Foam – Microwave a bar of Ivory soap and watch it puff up.
12. Density Column – Layer different liquids (e.g., honey, oil, water) to explore density.
13. Rainbow Skittles Experiment – Arrange Skittles in water and watch colors dissolve.
14. Salt and Ice Experiment – Put salt water with varying amounts of salt in an ice tray and freeze. Take out and observe how salt affects ice melting. 
15. Baking Soda Rockets – Use baking soda, vinegar, and a plastic film canister.
16. Floating Egg – Test density with a salted water solution vs normal water with an egg.
17. Lava Lamp – Mix water, oil, and add an Alka-Seltzer tablet.
18. Making Butter – Shake heavy cream in a jar until butter forms.
19. Burning steel wool – Use a long match or a power pack to light the steel wool and watch the metal burn!
20. Chemical Reactions in a Bag – Mix vinegar, baking soda, and observe gas formation.

 101 cheap budget science experiments for kids

 101 cheap budget science experiments for kids

Physics Experiments

Have fun with these physics experiments using everyday household items! 

21. Balloon-Powered Car – Make a car powered by a balloon. This can be done even using recycling materials like plastic bottles, bottle caps for wheels, skewers, balloon etc. 
22. CD Hovercraft – Create a mini-hovercraft using a CD, bottle cap, and balloon.
23. Spinning Penny in a Balloon – Show centripetal force by spinning a penny inside a balloon.
24. DIY Periscope – Use mirrors and cardboard to make a periscope.
25. Static Electricity with Balloons – Rub a balloon on hair and observe static effects.
26. Floating Paperclip – Test surface tension with a paperclip on water.
27. Paper Airplane Physics – Test different airplane designs for flight distance.
28. Gravity Drop Test – Drop items of different masses to observe gravity.
29. Marble Roller Coaster – Use foam pipe insulation to build a track for marbles.
30. Inclined Plane Experiment – Test friction by rolling items down ramps with different surfaces.
31. Magic Spinning Top – Make a top with a pencil and cardboard circle to explore spin.
32. Water Displacement – Measure how much water objects displace in a bowl.
33. Straw Rockets – Launch small rockets by blowing through a straw.
34. Pendulum Swing – Observe pendulum motion with different weights.
35. Paper Towel Chromatography – Separate ink colors with a strip of paper towel.
36. Density Ball Drop – Drop balls of different materials to see density effects.
37. Bottle Flip Science – Test water bottle flipping and the effect of water level.
38. Water Pressure Straw Fountain – Make a fountain by blowing through a straw underwater.
39. Siphon Experiment – Use two containers and a straw to demonstrate water flow.
40. Egg Drop Challenge – Protect an egg with various materials to prevent breaking

 101 cheap budget science experiments for kids 

Cheap biology science experiments

So many of these are a great way to explore kitchen science. 

41. Regrowing Vegetables – Regrow veggies like green onions in water.
42. Seed Germination – Observe sprouting seeds in a clear plastic bag.
43. Apple Browning – Test how lemon juice slows apple oxidation.
44. Osmosis in Potatoes – Soak potato slices in salt and fresh water.
45. Yeast and Sugar Balloons – Inflate a balloon using yeast, sugar, and water.
46. Coloring Flowers – Place white flowers in colored water and observe.
47. Leaf Rubbing – Create impressions of leaf veins with crayons and paper.
48. Fingerprint Analysis – Use a pencil and tape to lift fingerprints.
49. Bread Mold Experiment – Observe mold growth on different types of bread.
50. Homemade Fossils – Press objects into salt dough and let it dry.
51. Plant Growth in Light vs. Dark – Compare plant growth in different light conditions.
52. Dissecting a Flower – Explore flower parts by gently pulling them apart.
53. DIY Bird Feeder – Attract birds with a homemade feeder.
54. Build a Biome in a Jar – Create a mini ecosystem with soil, water, and plants.
55. Banana Ripening – Test how different storage conditions affect ripening.
56. Making Yogurt – Turn milk into yogurt by adding starter cultures.
57. Observing Cell Walls – Look at onion cells under a microscope or magnifying glass.
58. Sun Prints with Leaves – Use construction paper and sunlight to make leaf prints.
59. Ant Observation – Set up a sugar trail to observe ant behavior.
60. Potato Battery – Create a simple battery with a potato and pennies.

 101 cheap budget science experiments for kids

Cheap earth science experiments

61. Water Filtration – Build a filter with sand, gravel, and charcoal.
62. Mini Compost Bin – Make a small compost with organic scraps in a jar.
63. Homemade Solar Oven – Use a box and foil to create a solar oven.
64. Rain Gauge – Measure rainfall using a clear container.
65. Wind Speed Measurement – Make an anemometer with paper cups.
66. Erosion Experiment – Observe how water affects sand and soil on slopes.
67. Acid Rain Simulation – Add vinegar to water and observe its effect on plants.
68. Oil Spill Cleanup – Simulate an oil spill in water and test cleanup methods.
69. Thermal Insulator Test – Wrap ice cubes in different materials to see which keeps them cold longest.
70. Evaporation Experiment – Measure water levels in a dish over time.
71. Water Cycle in a Bag – Create condensation and precipitation in a sealed bag.
72. DIY Barometer – Use a balloon and jar to make a simple barometer.
73. Floating Garden – Grow small plants on a sponge to mimic a hydroponic system.
74. Acid-Base Indicators – Use cabbage juice to test rainwater pH.
75. Soil Testing – Compare water absorption and plant growth in different soil types.
76. Build a Mini Greenhouse – Use a plastic bag to create a greenhouse for plants.
77. Observing Decomposition – Track how different materials decompose in soil.
78. Temperature and Plant Growth – Test how plants grow in various temperatures.
79. DIY Thermometer – Make a thermometer with water, alcohol, and food coloring.
80. Rainwater Collection – Set up a collection system and measure rain volume.

 101 cheap budget science experiments for kids

 STEM Experiments

Conclusion

Never underestimate the power of an easy experiment. Engage students with these 101 budget science experiments using household ingredients and common household materials.

 101 cheap budget science experiments for kids

Note: Always consult your school’s specific experiment and risk assessment guidelines and policies, and seek guidance from experienced colleagues or administrators when in doubt about safety protocols.

About the Author

Station activities for middle school

Attention science teachers! Get into the Thanksgiving holiday season with your science class with these fun science activities. November is the perfect time to explore scientific concepts with a twist. 

So sit back and relax while I give you 25 best science thanksgiving activities for middle school.

25 best science thanksgiving activities for middle school 

Thanksgiving Science Experiments

These simple science experiments are the perfect way to still cover scientific concepts while keeping in theme with the Thanksgiving season.

25 best science thanksgiving activities for middle school  

• Pumpkin Volcano: Create a classic chemical reaction using vinegar and baking soda, disguised as a festive pumpkin eruption.
• Pumpkin Seed Germination: Track the growth of pumpkin seeds under different conditions (light, dark, water, no water) to understand the factors affecting germination.
• Leaf Chromatography: Separate the pigments in colorful fall leaves to learn about photosynthesis.
• Food Miles Investigation: Calculate the distance food travels to reach your Thanksgiving table and discuss the environmental impact of food transportation.
• Thanksgiving Leftover Science: Explore the science behind food preservation and spoilage by observing the changes in leftover food over time.
• Turkey Tiredness Myth: Research the science behind the myth that turkey makes you sleepy and design an experiment to test it.
• Cranberry Science: Test the pH of cranberry juice by adding different household substances (e.g., baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice) and observe color changes.
• Pumpkin Oobleck: Create a non-Newtonian fluid using cornstarch, water, and pumpkin spice (or pumpkin puree for color), and explore its solid and liquid properties. Alternatively, make cranberry slime with cranberry sauce for color! 
• Thanksgiving density layers: Layer liquids of different densities (e.g., corn syrup, dish soap, water, vegetable oil, rubbing alcohol) in Thanksgiving colors (using food coloring), and observe how they stack.
• Make corn starch plastic: Make bioplastic using cornstarch, water, and vinegar, then mold it into small autumn-themed items (like leaves or pumpkins).
• Balloon rockets turkey activity: Attach paper “turkey feathers” to inflated balloons and have students race them on strings across the room to see whose turkey flies the fastest.
• Floating Thanksgiving dinner: Test different Thanksgiving foods (dried cranberries, corn kernels, pieces of pumpkin, etc.) to see which sink or float in water.
• Butter making: Shake heavy cream in a sealed jar until it turns to butter, exploring the science behind emulsions and physical changes.
• Popcorn popping: Test how different temperatures and methods (e.g., stovetop, microwave) affect the popping efficiency of popcorn kernels.

25 best science thanksgiving activities for middle school 

Thanksgiving Stem Activities

Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to introduce a themed stem challenge for your middle school students! These thanksgiving stem challenges are easy to set up and require minimal materials.

25 best science thanksgiving activities for middle school  

• Turkey Trap Challenge: Design a device to safely “trap” a runaway turkey (a small plush or paper turkey) using only provided materials like popsicle sticks, rubber bands, string, and cardboard.
• Build the Mayflower Boat: Using tinfoil, craft sticks, and plastic, build a mini Mayflower boat that can carry the most “pilgrim” pennies across a basin of water without sinking.
• Thanksgiving Table Towers: Using materials such as toothpicks and mini marshmallows, challenge students to build the tallest stable tower that could “hold” a mini pumpkin on top.
• Thanksgiving Dinner Delivery Zipline: Create a zipline system to transport a small “Thanksgiving meal” (e.g. a plastic spoon with a mini pumpkin or candy corn) from one side of the classroom to the other.
• Pumpkin Catapult Contest: Build a mini catapult using popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and a spoon to launch candy pumpkins as far as possible. Test and refine designs for maximum distance.
• Cranberry Bridge Building: Construct a bridge using cranberries and toothpicks that can hold the most weight (using pennies or other small weights) before breaking.
• Parade Float Challenge: Design and build a “parade float” for a Thanksgiving-themed parade using recycled materials, with wheels that actually roll. The float should be able to travel a set distance.

Which stem activity is your favorite?

25 best science thanksgiving activities for middle school  

Science Thanksgiving Activities for middle schoolers

Give your lesson plans a little thanksgiving flavor with these low prep thanksgiving worksheets, escape rooms and games. 

25 best science thanksgiving activities for middle school  

1. Thanksgiving Digital Escape Room – Scientific Method

Want a fun Thanksgiving science activity that is zero prep? This Thanksgiving scientific method digital escape room has you covered! No matter what topic you are up to in your science curriculum, it is always relevant to review the scientific method.

This engaging Thanksgiving digital escape room is suitable for years 6, 7 and 8.

Understanding the scientific method is so crucial for students continuing to study science in later years. This Thanksgiving science escape room provides an interactive way to revise their understanding of the scientific method.

Why use this digital escape room for Thanksgiving?

1. It is zero prep! Just share the link with students and away they go!

2. It is a fun and engaging way for students to review content.

3. It builds student skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration.

4. It can be used in many environments, including in the classroom, online learning, homeschooling, and distance education.

5. Full teacher answers included.

6. Its Thanksgiving theme will keep in theme for your lesson!

From secret messages to decoding and mazes, digital escape rooms are always so much fun!

Purchase the thanksgiving science activities bundle for middle school here.

25 best science thanksgiving activities for middle school  

2. Thanksgiving Digital Escape Room – Measurement

Want a fun way to review science measurement that is zero prep? This Thanksgiving science measurement digital escape room has you covered! No matter what topic you are up to in your science curriculum, it is always relevant to review science measurement and the metric system.

This engaging Thanksgiving science digital escape room is suitable for years 7, 8, and 9.

Understanding the measurement in science is so crucial for students continuing to study science in later years. This Thanksgiving science escape room provides an interactive way to revise their understanding of scientific measurement and the metric system.

Why use this science measurement digital escape room?

1. It is zero prep! Just share the link with students and away they go!

2. It is a fun activity and an engaging way for students to review content.

3. It builds student skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration.

4. It can be used in a wide range of environments including in the classroom, online learning, homeschooling, and distance education.

5. It is self-marking.

6. Full teacher answers included.

7. Its Thanksgiving theme will keep in theme for your lesson or provide some extra fun at any time of year!

25 best science thanksgiving activities for middle school  

3. Science Thanksgiving Worksheet Scientific Variables

Struggling to incorporate Thanksgiving into your science lessons? This Science Thanksgiving Worksheet on scientific variables is perfect! In this engaging activity, students will explore and identify the independent variable, dependent variable and controlled variables for a series of Thanksgiving themed scenarios. This worksheet is perfect for middle school science students, combining fun with scientific variables!

Science Variables Thanksgiving Worksheet Features:

• 3 student activity pages of 10 thrilling scenarios
• Printable PDF version for traditional classroom use.
• Digital version for online use.
• Teacher answer key for easy grading and assessment.

4. Thanksgiving 2-player racing games

Want a fun, no-prep science Thanksgiving activity to help students review key terms for the scientific method and branches of science? These THREE engaging digital 2-player racing games are perfect for helping students revise the scientific method and the various branches of science. Suitable for years 6, 7, and 8. 

Each game contains a set of definitions or descriptions and students must fill in the key term for each one. Each correct answer (in any order) will move their image upwards. The player who answers all questions correctly first and gets their thanksgiving character to the top, wins. 

Why use science thanksgiving activity 2-player race games?

1. They are zero prep! Just share the link with students and away they go!

2. They are self-marking which means no marking for you!

3. They are fun and engaging for students.

4. They can be used in many environments, including in the classroom, online learning, homeschooling, and distance education.

5. Full teacher answers included.

25 best science thanksgiving activities for middle school 

Conclusion

November is the perfect time to explore scientific concepts with a twist. These 25 best science thanksgiving activities for middle school are low prep, fun and work with the thanksgiving theme!

25 best science thanksgiving activities for middle school 

Note: Always consult your school’s specific internet usage guidelines and policies, and seek guidance from experienced colleagues or administrators when in doubt about safety protocols.

About the Author

Station activities for middle school