Concurrent Sessions

Traditionally, chemistry instruction relied on traditional lab based tasks that often leads to theoretical learning where students may find it difficult to relate to reality. Many applications in science research and industry now relies heavily in the use of technology and automation. Hence there is a need to bridge the gap in theoretical learning and the real world. The investigative task featured here integrates the Micro:bit and related sensors to enhance students' digital literacy. This innovative program transforms student engagement by enabling hands-on investigations using everyday items, such as beverages and cleaning agents, to explore acid-base chemistry in real-world contexts.

Students utilise the Micro:bit for precise data collection, allowing them to conduct experiments with greater accuracy than traditional methods. Activities included comparing the acidity of various beverages and evaluating the basicity of antacids, where students programmed the Micro:bit to gather real-time data. This experience not only reinforces scientific concepts but also develops essential skills in programming and troubleshooting.

The task aligns with the EdTech Masterplan 2030, emphasizing digital competencies and promoting student agency through open-ended tasks. By working collaboratively in groups, students cultivate critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. They design their own experiments, submit project proposals, and present findings through digital posters and vlogs, reinforcing their learning and fostering creativity.

This presentation explores the use of AI-powered tools to enhance student learning and teacher efficiency, focusing on the Short Answer Feedback Assistant (SAFA) and Twine, while also looking ahead to the future of personalised learning with custom GPTs.

SAFA provides automated feedback on open-ended questions, promoting self-regulated learning. The presentation will guide teachers on how to effectively use SAFA within the Singapore Student Learning Space (SLS) and some practical tips.

Twine, an open-source tool for creating interactive narratives, offers a unique approach to engage students in active learning. The presentation will showcase how Twine can be used for problem-based learning, differentiated instruction, and fostering 21st Century Competencies (e21CC) through simulations and choose-your-own-adventure style lessons.

Furthermore, the presenters will demonstrate how AI tools like ChatGPT can streamline the creation of Twine activities. Looking towards the future, the presentation will discuss the potential of creating customized GPTs trained on specific curricula to provide personalised learning experiences. This includes generating tailored content, offering individualised feedback, and adapting to each student's learning pace and style.

This session offers both practical strategies for leveraging AI today and a glimpse into the future of personalised learning, promoting innovation and efficiency in the classroom.

This lesson package describes two hands-on activities aimed at enhancing STEM education through electrochemistry: building a galvanic cell to power LED light bulbs and constructing a hydrogen fuel cell for an electric toy car. The first activity teaches students about redox reactions and energy conversion, while the second demonstrates sustainable energy production. 

Both activities promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills, highlighting the relevance of scientific concepts in real-world applications. By incorporating these activities into STEM curricula, teachers encourage innovation and interdisciplinary learning, better preparing students to tackle future challenges in science and technology and contribute towards building a more sustainable society.

Preparing for lab sessions is essential for building confidence and competence in students and educators alike, directly impacting lab safety, accuracy, and learning outcomes. This presentation offers strategies to enhance confidence in lab preparation, covering everything from planning and organising materials to understanding the theoretical explanations behind each experiment.

The session addresses common challenges faced by educators and lab staff, including a shortage of experienced personnel and the need for greater confidence in chemical handling and lab preparation. In a collaborative, knowledge-sharing environment, participants will gain access to a newly developed, comprehensive website featuring valuable resources such as chemical preparation guides, troubleshooting techniques, drum-washing procedures, chemistry calculation tutorials, and detailed safety handbooks on chemical handling and storage. These tools are designed to promote a safer, more efficient lab environment, empowering teachers, and lab staff to provide students with a focused, skill-building experience. At the end of this session, participants will be equipped with the skills needed to approach lab preparation with confidence, creating a productive and positive lab experience for all.

Computational chemistry has become a well-established and indispensable tool in both chemical education and research at universities and research institutes. However, it has yet to be incorporated into the current Junior College curriculum. In this talk, I will highlight some of the key capabilities of computational chemistry, such as visualizing atomic and molecular orbitals, 3D molecular geometries, and simulating simple chemical reactions. More importantly, I aim to call for collaborations to design accessible teaching activities that enhance the chemistry learning experience for Junior College students and introduce them to the valuable insights provided by computational chemistry.

In today’s classrooms, students often struggle to see the relevance of chemistry in their everyday lives, viewing it as abstract and disconnected from the real world. This disconnect leads to reduced interest and engagement in learning key scientific concepts. The challenge is to bridge this gap and make chemistry both accessible and engaging for students, helping them to see its practical value.

To address this issue, our project leverages video production as a tool for students to explore chemistry in relatable, everyday contexts. The primary objective is to enhance students’ scientific curiosity while developing key 21st-century competencies such as creativity, communication, and digital literacy. Through the use of video editing tools, students are guided in creating short educational videos that highlight the role of chemistry in areas such as food, environmental sustainability, medicine, and energy.

The methodology centers on inquiry-based learning, with students taking the lead in storyboarding, scripting, and producing their videos. This process fosters both independent learning and collaboration. By embedding real-world contexts, students are encouraged to critically analyze how chemistry impacts their daily lives, further deepening their understanding of the subject.

The project saw a high submission rate, with students producing high-quality videos that showcased their knowledge and ability to communicate complex concepts in an accessible manner. Students demonstrated greater engagement, improved teamwork, and a newfound appreciation for chemistry, proving that technology can be a powerful tool in transforming science education.

This presentation delves into strategies for increasing student engagement in the H1 Chemistry classroom. As education continuously evolves, so does the need for innovative teaching methods and adaptive practices. 

Chemistry, as a subject, often presents challenges in terms of abstract concepts, complex problem-solving, and extensive memorisation. This presentation introduces creative strategies to make Chemistry more accessible, engaging, and relevant to students. From hands-on experiments and real-world applications to student role-modelling, we will explore a range of tools designed to deepen conceptual understanding and inspire curiosity and to cater to diverse learning styles. 

By the end of this session, educators will have a toolkit of techniques and adaptable practices to energise their H1 Chemistry classrooms and thereby making Chemistry more interactive and enjoyable for students of at the H1 level.