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  • Abstract 3D molecular structure with connected blue spheres and nodes.

    How the Science of Teaching and Learning Are Woven Into the REAL CHEM Courseware

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    REAL CHEM Team

    January 5, 2026
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    REAL CHEM After Year One: Measurable Gains from a Research-Based Design

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    REAL CHEM Team

    January 4, 2026
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    How Surprising Research on Learning Rates Shapes REAL CHEM’s Design

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    REAL CHEM Team

    December 1, 2025

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Cover of Real Chem II: Atomic Foundations of the Real World.
01

Chemical Kinetics

  • Reaction Rates
  • Rate Laws
  • Reaction Mechanisms
  • Exploration: Catalyst in the Clouds
02

Chemical Equilibrium

  • Concepts of Chemical Equilibrium 
  • Le Châtelier’s Principle 
  • Equilibrium Calculations
  • Exploration: Let’s Get the Lead Out!
03

Acids and Bases

  • Defining and Measuring Acids and Bases
  • Strong and Weak Acids and Bases
  • Exploration: Proton Power! pH and Protein Structure
04

Applications of Aqueous Equilibrium

  • Buffers 
  • Titrations
  • Solubility and Complex Ion Equilibria
05

Thermodynamics and Energy → What Drives a Reaction?

  • Introduction to Thermodynamics
  • The Second Law of Thermodynamics
  • Free Energy 
06

Electrochemistry

  • Foundational Concepts of Electrochemistry
  • Galvanic Cells 
  • Other Applications of Electrochemistry
07

Nuclear Chemistry

  • Nuclear Reactions and Equations
  • Applications of Nuclear Chemistry
08

Transition Metals and Coordination Chemistry

  • Occurrence, Preparation, and Properties of Transition Metals
  • Coordination Chemistry of Transition Metals
  • Spectroscopic and Magnetic Properties of Coordination Compounds
  • Exploration: Dazzling d-Orbitals
09

Appendix (REAL CHEM II)

  • Page: Specific Heats of Common Substances
  • Page: Solution for Large K
  • Page: Solution for Small K
  • Page: Ka Values of Common Weak Acids
  • Page: Kb Values of Common Weak Bases
  • Page: Solubility Products
  • Page: Titration
  • Page: Acid-Base Chemistry of Butterfly Tea and the Ocean
  • Page: Formation Constants for Complex Ions
  • Page: Standard Reduction Potentials
  • Page: Thermodynamic Properties
10

Appendix : PhET Simulations (REAL CHEM II)

  • Page: Gas Properties PhET Simulation
  • Page: Reactions and Rates PhET Simulation
  • Page: Acid-Base Solutions Introduction PhET Simulation
  • Page: pH Scale PhET Simulation
  • Page: Concentration PhET Simulation
  • Page: Salts and Solubility PhET Simulation
  • Page: Build a Nucleus PhET Simulation
  • Page: Radioactive Dating Game PhET Simulation
11

Glossary (REAL CHEM II)

  • Glossary (REAL CHEM II)
12

Instructor only resources (REAL CHEM II)

  • Page: In-class slide decks
  • Page: In-Class Active Learning Activities
  • Page: Learning objectives by module REAL CHEM II
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Real Chem course cover with ASU and Carnegie Mellon logos.
01

Unveiling the Power of Matter and Energy

  • Basic Concepts of Matter and Energy
  • Measurements
02

Unit 2: Atoms, Molecules and Ions

  • Atomic Theory and the Periodic Table
  • Compounds and Chemical Formulas
  • Exploration: Do you really want to drink that? The elements of water.
03

Electronic Structure and Periodic Properties

  • Electromagnetic Energy and the Bohr Model of the Atom
  • Quantum Theory
  • Periodic Properties
  • Exploration: What’s the World Made Of? Unlocking Secrets with Spectroscopy
04

Chemical Bonding and Molecular Geometry

  • Ionic and Covalent Bonding
  • Lewis Structures
  • Molecular Structure and Polarity
  • Advanced Theories of Covalent Bonding
  • Exploration: Decoding the Mystery of Greenhouse Molecules
05

Composition
of Substances

  • Mole Calculations
  • Aqueous Solutions
  • Exploration: Is the Town Toxic? Quantifying Concentrations of Lead.
06

Reactions and
Stoichiometry

  • Chemical Reactions and Equations
  • Chemical Reactions Stoichiometry
  • Exploration: Driving Down Greenhouse Emissions
07

Gases

  • Gas Laws
  • Stoichiometry of Gases
  • The Kinetic-Molecular Theory
08

Thermochemistry

  • Introduction to Energy
  • Calorimetry
  • Enthalpy
  • Exploration: What’s Our Next Big Energy Source?
09

Liquids and Solids

  • Intermolecular Forces
  • Phase Changes
  • The Solid State of Matter
10

Solutions

  • Solubility
  • Colligative Properties
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