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I teach chemistry, AP chemistry, and other sciences at South Pasadena High School. I have worked there since 1979. I am a stong believer that every student can understand chemistry if they can "see it" in their minds the way I can see it in mine. Visit the Technical Information section to see some of the ways we use computers to help with this visualization.
Of course, nothing can replace getting your hands dirty with some chemicals and seeing how the world works. We try to do a lot of chemistry with the materials you can find around the house.
AP Workshops: I speak to other chemistry teachers several times a year. I was a reader for the AP Chemistry exam so I am "on The College Board speakers circuit" sharing ideas about teaching AP chemistry and about how the exam is graded. I have spoken often around the Los Angeles area, but also in Las Vegas, Arizona, Canada, and even Hawaii.
ACS Exams Committee: The American Chemical Society has two committees of teachers (high school and college level) that write the ACS High School Exams. I am the secretary for the Advanced High School Exam (which means I get to do a lot of typing). It is a great committee and the resulting exams are inexpensive and well-written (even if I DO say so myself.) Check out the ACS Exams Institute located at Clemson University, SC.
At the risk of sounding TOO much like a "brown nose," I do work in a terrific school district, the South Pasadena Unified School District. We have one high school, one middle school, and three elementary schools. The district is small enough that you can recognize everyone who works there. The School Board and the community are very supportive of the teachers in the classroom. The community members organized the South Pasadena Educational Foundation (SPEF) which financially supports the district. Here's Dr. Les Adelson, District Superintendent, with me at the State Capitol (I was getting an award.)
SPHS Science Department Web Page
Our science department maintains a web page that explains the courses we offer and our overall department organization. In addition, we have collected interesting links to science on the Internet that might be appropriate for many of the science classes.
The Mole Hole -- Some Chemistry Resources
Here is a web page I maintain that includes some interesting student-generated materials (animated molecules, mole clip art, etc.) as well as some terrific chemistry links.
