Does Anyone Remember Science Help Online - Chemistry?
For about a decade, starting in the late 90’s, I developed an extensive website called, “Science Help Online - Chemistry.” It started out as a place for my own students to access my notes and worksheets and it grew to be a sort of unfinished, interactive textbook. At that time, it never occurred to me that my website would eventually be found by other chemistry teachers and students from all around the world.
Over the years, Science Help Online - Chemistry became quite popular as more and more hyperlinks directed people to the website. I received hundreds of emails from students, most thanking me for a lesson or asking me to explain something that they were learning in class. Many teachers contacted me, as well, usually asking if they could use my worksheets, or, when I was going to finish a particular lesson.
It was an exciting time for me. I got to witness the power of distance learning, first hand. I had the opportunity to communicate with many people and share resources. I had a creative outlet that I could direct much of my time and energy towards.
The truth is, Science Help Online was always a work in progress. I never found the time to complete all of the lessons that I had planned to. It seemed as though I was constantly fixing hyperlinks and typos. Before I could finish the website, I was contacted by an agent and offered an opportunity to write a book that was to become, Homework Helpers Chemistry.
With even less time to work on the website, my own frustration with it grew. A few years later and due to circumstances beyond my control, I had to give up the website. This resulted in a lot of broken hyperlinks out there (and at least one broken heart) and I am sorry for it!
When Matt Distefano, one of my collaborators from the Homework Helpers series, suggested that we start a teaching blog, I realized that it could also serve as a new home for much of the chemistry content from my old website. So, over the next year or so, I will be polishing up some of my old resources and introducing them to a new audience.
The recycled chemistry content will only be a small part of this larger project in blogging. Matt and I will also be writing posts about teaching, in general, and exchanging ideas with teachers and students everywhere. We want this to become an interactive space for collaboration and that is why we call it, “Team of Teachers”. We hope that you will come along for the ride and become part of that team.
