Teaching High School Science

Goodbye Airwaves, Hello Video Lessons

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2321193/open_sms] In today’s short but important episode, I’m sharing an exciting shift in how I’ll be supporting students, parents, and teachers moving forward. After many requests, and seeing how impactful my video lessons have become, I’m stepping away from the podcast to focus more on creating the kind of visual, hands-on learning tools that truly help concepts stick. You’ll now find me more often on YouTube, in my blog, and inside my brand-new Patreon membership, where I’ll be sharing clear, structured lessons, practice worksheets, and review tools for chemistry and AP Chemistry (with physics on the way!). This isn’t goodbye! Just a shift in where and how I’ll show up to support you and your teen. Explore more at TheScienceMentor.com [https://www.thesciencementor.com]Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thesciencementor8869]Join the new Chemistry Vault on Patreon [http://patreon.com/TheScienceMentor] Thanks for tuning in! For more insightful discussions and resources on science education, visit my website at thesciencementor.com. [https://www.thesciencementor.com/] Don't forget to connect with me on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thescimentor/], Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/thescimentor/], and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thesciencementor] for updates and engaging content. Are you looking for bite-sized science tutorials to use with your students or for a refresher for yourself? Visit my YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@thesciencementor8869]. Let's continue the conversation and explore the wonders of science together!

Summer Prep Series: Significant Figure for Chem and Physics

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2321193/open_sms] If your teen is preparing for chemistry or physics this year, especially at the honors or AP level, significant figures are one of those early concepts that can trip them up and quietly cost points all year long. In this episode of Teaching High School Science, I’m breaking down what significant figures (or "sig figs") really are, why they matter in science, and how to help your teen build strong habits now to avoid common mistakes later. You’ll learn: * The five essential rules for identifying significant figures (with examples!) * When to focus on decimal places for addition and subtraction * Why total sig figs matter in multiplication and division * How to handle mixed operations and use PEMDAS without losing points * Simple strategies like creating a problem notebook and using verbal explanations to strengthen understanding Whether you're supporting your teen at home or in the classroom, these tips will help them feel more confident and accurate when using sig figs—so they can focus on the science instead of getting stuck on the formatting. 📩 Be sure to check the show notes for: * A free Significant Figures Guide * A blog post with visual examples and step-by-step explanations 🎧 Tune in and help your teen start the year strong with the precision skills they’ll use all year long in both chemistry and physics. Thanks for tuning in! For more insightful discussions and resources on science education, visit my website at thesciencementor.com. [https://www.thesciencementor.com/] Don't forget to connect with me on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thescimentor/], Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/thescimentor/], and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thesciencementor] for updates and engaging content. Are you looking for bite-sized science tutorials to use with your students or for a refresher for yourself? Visit my YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@thesciencementor8869]. Let's continue the conversation and explore the wonders of science together!

Summer Prep Series: Dimensional Analysis for Chem & Physics

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2321193/open_sms] If your teen is taking chemistry or physics this fall, there’s one skill they must have on lock from the start: dimensional analysis. It shows up in almost every unit—and it’s one of the biggest places students get stuck. In this episode of Teaching High School Science, I’m breaking down why dimensional analysis matters, where it shows up in both chemistry and physics, and how you can support your teen in building this critical math-meets-science skill now—before they fall behind. You’ll learn: * What dimensional analysis is (and why it’s more than just unit conversions) * A simple “Cancel-Replace” template to make conversions visual and understandable * How to build a reference notebook of problem types for year-round support * Why talking through each step out loud helps uncover misconceptions * How to build confidence through small-batch practice—not overwhelming worksheets Whether your teen is homeschooled or in a traditional setting, this episode will give you straightforward, actionable tools to help them thrive in science this year. 🎧 Listen now, and if you’re looking for structured summer support, check out these helpful programs: * Chemistry Summer Camp [https://outschool.com/classes/c8eb8987-9c4e-480f-800e-47c388873429/schedule] * Physics Summer Camp [https://outschool.com/classes/e193da1c-cfe3-4f61-b60d-69576f7804ea/schedule]  * Math Essentials Mini-Series [https://www.thesciencementor.com/self-paced-resources] Let me know if you have questions or want more tips. You can always visit thesciencementor.com [https://thesciencementor.com] and subscribe to the podcast for bi-weekly support, insights, and resources to help your teen succeed in high school science. Thanks for tuning in! For more insightful discussions and resources on science education, visit my website at thesciencementor.com. [https://www.thesciencementor.com/] Don't forget to connect with me on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thescimentor/], Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/thescimentor/], and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thesciencementor] for updates and engaging content. Are you looking for bite-sized science tutorials to use with your students or for a refresher for yourself? Visit my YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@thesciencementor8869]. Let's continue the conversation and explore the wonders of science together!

How To Help Your Teen Prepare for AP Chemistry This Summer

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2321193/open_sms] AP Chemistry isn’t just another high school science class. It's fast-paced, math-heavy, and expects students to jump in ready to apply concepts from day one. If your teen isn’t feeling confident or it's been a while since their last chemistry class, summer prep can make all the difference. In this episode of Teaching High School Science, I’m sharing the exact topics your teen should review this summer to walk into AP Chem with confidence and clarity. From dimensional analysis and algebra skills to electron configurations and stoichiometry, we’re covering the must-know foundations that will help your teen keep up (and stay ahead) in this challenging course. You'll learn: * Which key chemistry concepts are essential for Units 1 & 2 * What math skills students must be comfortable with before the fall * Why practice—not just notes or videos—is the secret to solid prep * How to get the most out of school-issued summer packets Plus, I share how my 1:1 AP Chemistry Summer Prep Tutoring [https://outschool.com/classes/ap-chemistry-summer-prep-one-to-one-class-AptIxOVK] on OutSchool provides a personalized, structured plan to fill in gaps and build confidence before class even begins. If AP Chem is on your teen’s schedule this fall, this episode is your summer prep roadmap. Thanks for tuning in! For more insightful discussions and resources on science education, visit my website at thesciencementor.com. [https://www.thesciencementor.com/] Don't forget to connect with me on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thescimentor/], Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/thescimentor/], and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thesciencementor] for updates and engaging content. Are you looking for bite-sized science tutorials to use with your students or for a refresher for yourself? Visit my YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@thesciencementor8869]. Let's continue the conversation and explore the wonders of science together!

Preparing Your Teen for Chemistry and Physics Over The Summer

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2321193/open_sms] If your teen is heading into chemistry or physics in the fall, and they’re feeling unsure about their math or science foundation, this episode is for you. In this episode of Teaching High School Science, I’m breaking down exactly what your teen should review over the summer to start the school year strong, confident, and ready to keep up with the fast pace of high school science. Whether they missed a few concepts in middle school or just need a refresher, I’ll walk you through the key math and science skills they’ll need for success in both chemistry and physics. You’ll learn: * What foundational chemistry topics to brush up on (like atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, and dimensional analysis) * Why algebra skills matter so much in both subjects—and how to practice them now * What physics concepts students should know before starting the year (including motion, forces, and basic trig) * How just a few weeks of targeted summer review can make a huge difference in confidence and performance Plus, I’ll share how my live summer science camps on OutSchool are designed to fill in these gaps, boost your teen’s confidence, and help them walk into class ready to thrive—not just survive. 🎧 Tune in to hear how to turn summer into a season of preparation, not panic. 📌 Link to the Chemistry Summer Camp [https://outschool.com/classes/chemistry-summer-camp-XXCxS0yj] class info and schedule 📌 Link to the Physics Summer Camp [https://outschool.com/classes/physics-summer-camp-CXM4px0a] class info and schedule Thanks for tuning in! For more insightful discussions and resources on science education, visit my website at thesciencementor.com. [https://www.thesciencementor.com/] Don't forget to connect with me on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thescimentor/], Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/thescimentor/], and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thesciencementor] for updates and engaging content. Are you looking for bite-sized science tutorials to use with your students or for a refresher for yourself? Visit my YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@thesciencementor8869]. Let's continue the conversation and explore the wonders of science together!