Chemistry Van

The goal of this program is to provide students in the Chicago Public School (CPS) system with the opportunity to enhance their understanding and appreciation of chemistry and scientific inquiry by utilizing a school curriculum that involves laboratory experiences representative of the work world and that addresses socially and environmentally relevant topics. This is accomplished through a program of (1) curriculum development, (2) teacher professional development, and (3) in-class support through the services of the Chemistry Van.

Chicago State University is offering a graduate course in Chemistry Pedagogical Content Knowledge for which the tuition is paid by the Illinois State Board of Higher Education and a stipend is provided. The class is designed for those who teach chemistry or plan to teach chemistry and wish to enhance their ability to make chemistry more accessible to their students by investigating the teaching and learning of several chemistry concepts from the National Science Education Standards. We will be reading current educational research articles, engaging in and reflecting on classroom activities, and sharing successful strategies. The class will focus on increasing understanding of what makes learning of specific chemistry topics easy or difficult and how students’ chemistry pre-conceptions affect students’ ability to learn. Participants will conduct a follow-up action research project in the fall semester.

• The course will meet from June 28th until July 23rd, Monday through Thusday
• Time : 9:00 -3:00

• 6 graduate credit hours plus stipend
• Williams Science Center, Chicago State University
• Click here for online application.
• For more information contact:
Andrea Gay Van Duzor, EdD email
Rita Koziarski, MEd email

The Chemistry Van provides activities, standards, and alignment worksheets. Some materials are only available for teachers who have completed the Van program.

Semester 1 standards for CPS

Alignment between activities and textbook

2008 Chemistry Van Laboratory Materials

Please do not hesitate to contact either Mike Mimnaugh or Sharon McCarthy if you have any questions about the Chemistry Van Program.

The Periodic Cable- ChemWest

Chemistry Education- American Chemical Society

Chicago Section- American Chemical Society

National Science Teachers Association

Illinois Science Teachers Association

Thank you to our generous supporters: Chicago Public Schools, Chicago State University, Teachers Academy for Math and Science, University of Illinois - Chicago, Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh, Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh, American Chemical Society (Chicago Section), Illinois Board of Higher Education (Eisenhower and No Child Left Behind Programs), Perkin-Elmer Corporation, Hanna Instruments, Ace Glass Corporation, and Sargent-Welch Corporation