Episode 2: Inside the Unit: Nature of Science in Chemistry – Week 1 and 2 Activities that Build a Strong Foundation

In this episode of The Confident Chemistry Teacher Podcast, we’re kicking off a new series called Inside the Unit — and we're starting with how I teach the Nature of Science and Introduction to Chemistry in the first two weeks of school. I’ll walk you through my exact game plan for this foundational unit, from setting classroom expectations to reviewing variables, lab procedures, graphing, and even the difference between qualitative and quantitative observations. You'll hear how I integrate interactive notebooks, POGL activities, and even lab safety without overwhelming students — plus why I save the heavy math for later. I’ll also share two of my go-to labs (penny lab + melting ice lab), how I use modeling on Day 1, and why these two weeks are so important for setting the tone for the rest of the year. Whether you're a first-year teacher or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with strategies to help your students feel successful from the start. 🎧 Mentioned in this episode: • Lab Station Laugh Cards – Download your free set in the show notes • My favorite POGL Chemistry resource • How I teach lab safety and equipment expectations