Chemistry

Welcome to the Chemistry News website. Here, you can find articles on everything chemistry-related at Palmer.

Teacher Interview

The person we are interviewing today is Ms. M. Chen, a science teacher at Palmer. She is loves and is good chemistry.

Question 1: What is the main focus of the chemistry unit (in Grade 10)?

In the chemistry unit, students will learn about the Lewis dot structures and how to balance chemical equations. There will also be times when they will have to predict the products based on the reactants given as well.

"Very useful in real life," Ms. Chen says.

Question 2: How will students practice safety while working?

Students will learn how to navigate, work, and behave in a laboratory setting at the very beginning of the chemistry unit. More importantly, they will be informed about where safety equipment are situated and how to help a classmate in need. In order to start the experiment, students will have to complete all the necessary steps that they have learned.

Question 3: How do you ensure a positive classroom environment?

Ms. Chen says, "In our class, people really like science. What's nice is that they always support each other when new concepts are brought up, collaboration is needed for work, and just simply ask questions.

BC Science Connections 10 Textbook

The last row of Ms. Chen's classroom

Question 4: How do you handle classroom disruptions and/or conflicts?

Usually people at this age are capable of doing whatever they have to work on. Ms. Chen will pull students aside to talk if they are struggling with that.

Ms. Chen explains, "If there are any other conflicts after that, it will be handled privately and accordingly."

Question 5: How do you assess student understanding and provide constructive feedback?

There will be review questions and worksheets for students to practice their understanding of a topic. Sometimes, the class will review together, especially prior to assessments.

Videos are often useful for students to understand something better. Quizzes are done before a unit test so that students get a better understanding of their own abilities and seek help as needed.

If students need any other extra help, PLT is also available.

Question 6: Describe your approach to building relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.

"My approach, generally, is to be yourself--I like to be myself," Ms. Chen answers.

Factors such as interests, personality, and students' overall level at the subject will also help teachers approach them successfully. Chatting with parents in a friendly environment also helps.

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Question 7: How do you handle conflicts and disagreements between students or colleagues?

Ms. Chen thinks that discussing calmly is key.

"Peacefully talk it out, and hopefully we'll reach a solution at the end," were Ms. Chen's words.

Question 8: How would you handle a situation where a student is struggling to understand a key chemistry concept?

Regular check-ins happen in Ms. Chen's classroom. This ensures that everyone is on track with the lessons. With students require extra assistance, PLT sessions with the teacher is recommended. During PLT, students will get one-on-one help from the teacher directly.

"If they need more help than that, then I offer my Email, as students can then email me any questions not during school hours, " Ms. Chen encourages.

Cabinets in Ms. Chen's classroom

Question 9: Are there any fun activities that students will like?

Ms. Chen answers, "Yes, of course. For example, there are assignments or projects that involve students' personal life or experiences. "

Labs are a must, and students usually like those. Near the end of the semester, students will encounter a special unit about space, if time allows. They will then choose what they want to work on, especially twhen they are interested in a specific topic.

Question 10: What inspired you to become a chemistry teacher?

"That's a great question. Chemistry has always been my favourite science. Although I love all sciences, chemistry just happens to be appealing, " is the response Ms. Chen gave.

Ms. Chen also mentions that she likes to see students working together, solving problems, and coming to a cool and fascinating conclusion. The excitement people get when they finally understand something is so joyous for everyone. She also enjoy building connections with the people around her, so that hopefully she will spark their interest in science as well.

Stored microscopes (for teacher use)

That is the end of the interview with Ms. Chen. She is really passionate about the subject that she teaches and is looking forward to share her knowledge with everyone. If you are still here at the end of this article, thank you for reading and feel free to check out the other articles on the website!