REAL Reactions

In this edition, explore the ‘why’ behind REAL CHEM—a courseware designed by chemistry educators, for chemistry educators. Learn how our vision and mission shape innovative learning experiences, including a look at our Learn by Doing activities that go beyond memorization to deepen student understanding

 In future monthly newsletters, REAL Reactions will bring you:

✅ Strategies to enhance student engagement
✅ Faculty insights from REAL CHEM users
✅ Insights into the latest tools and innovations in chemistry education

Why REAL CHEM?

How can we ask students to be engaged and inspired by something they’ve never seen?

Students can be intimidated by chemistry, often perceiving it as a rigid set of rules rather than a living science that touches every part of their world. That’s why we created REAL CHEM—to put students in their element and show them how chemistry shapes their world and to help them see the chemistry in their lives and future careers.

The Story of REAL CHEM

Created in collaboration between Arizona State University and Carnegie Mellon University, designed to help educators engage, inspire, and build confidence in their general chemistry students.

After years of experience and research, we’re committed to the mission of reaching students with different levels of academic preparation through cinematic videos that break down complex concepts, active learning, and real-world problem solving using real-world data. Over the last year, that mission has come to life with REAL CHEM.

With over 6,000 students using REAL CHEM across 30 institutions, we’re making an impact on retention and student outcomes. When students see themselves in chemistry, they explore deeper, solve harder problems, and push their understanding further.

Let’s build bonds that last beyond the classroom.

— The REAL CHEM Team

Learn by Doing 

Rather than simply providing definitions to memorize, we focus on developing learners’ practical chemistry skills by offering scaffolded practice problems that draw on examples from labs, industry, and everyday life. While they read the text, students are encouraged to actively participate in their learning by applying chemistry concepts as they discover them. For example, when reading about how to identify and differentiate types of matter, students might be asked to use physical and chemical properties to compare different samples. When they are introduced to phase diagrams, a discussion of distance scales helps to bridge the basic concepts taught in high school with the more advanced topics covered later in the course.

The People Behind REAL CHEM

A team of experienced chemists, educators, and industry experts

REAL CHEM is built by a team of seasoned chemistry educators, industry experts, and researchers with extensive experience in the field. From university professors and curriculum specialists to professional chemists and education technologists, our team understands the challenges of teaching and learning chemistry firsthand.

Many of our contributors have worked in research labs, led chemistry education initiatives, and developed innovative teaching methodologies that bridge the gap between theory and practice. Their expertise spans analytical, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, ensuring that REAL CHEM provides a well-rounded and scientifically rigorous learning experience.

These experts collaborate closely with instructional designers, software engineers, and UX/UI designers to create a platform that’s not only educational but also immersive and engaging. By leveraging their deep knowledge of chemistry and cutting-edge digital learning strategies, they transform complex concepts into clear, interactive lessons that spark curiosity and inspire discovery.

At REAL CHEM, we’re more than just a team—we’re a community of passionate professionals dedicated to revolutionizing chemistry education and making science more accessible for all learners.

— Kim Larson, Product Owner

Community of Practice

We’re building a community of general Chemistry educators to transform how students experience chemistry—and we want you to be part of it.

Through collaborative efforts to share best practices and innovative teaching strategies, we’re working to make chemistry more engaging, accessible, and impactful for all students. REAL CHEM is more than just courseware; it’s a movement to transform general Chemistry with active learning, real-world connections, and meaningful student engagement.

We are also offering opportunities to lead the charge in improving general chemistry education, contribute to a growing community of educators and be compensated for your expertise and time. Your voice will help shape the future of REAL CHEM and bring REAL change to general Chemistry.

Join us in creating better teaching and learning experiences —together.

That’s a wrap for our first issue!

Next month, we’ll explore how faculty are using REAL CHEM’s in- class activities and cinematic content in creative ways—and what you can learn from their success. Please share with your fellow chemistry educators to help spread the word!

Until then, keep building those bonds!

— The REAL CHEM Team