From Lab Notes to Learning Walls: My Favorite Chemistry Resources
Every semester brings new ideas, new challenges, and if we’re lucky , new tools that make teaching just a little more creative and connected. This semester, two digital resources truly stood out in my chemistry classroom: Padlet and Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs). Both of these technologies helped make learning more interactive, organized, and meaningful for my students.
1. Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs),
LabArchive: Classroom Edition
Traditional paper lab notebooks will always have their charm , but electronic lab notebooks take the scientific process to a new level. This semester, I used ELNs to help students document experiments, collaborate in real time, and reflect on their learning more deeply.
In chemistry, where data, precision, and analysis are everything, ELNs give students a place to:
-Record procedures and observations directly during experiments
-Upload photos, charts, and digital probe data
-Graph results instantly and spot trends
-Comment and collaborate with lab partners
-Receive my feedback without losing another page to spilled acid or melted parafilm
Why I love it: ELNs make the lab feel professional. Students see themselves as real scientists, keeping digital records the way researchers do. It also makes grading and safety tracking easier, while giving students a lifelong skill in data literacy and digital science communication.
2. Padlet
If you’ve ever wished for a virtual bulletin board that’s equal parts visual, social, and flexible, Padlet is it. My students use it as a collaborative hub for discussion, idea generation, and sharing their work.
In chemistry, I’ve used Padlet for:
-Pre-lab brainstorming — Students post hypotheses or questions before starting a new investigation.
-Data sharing — Groups upload reaction results, photos, or data tables so the class can compare outcomes.
-Reflection posts — After labs, students summarize findings or share short videos explaining the “why” behind their results.
Why I love it: Padlet builds community and gives every student a voice. Even those who might hesitate to speak up in class contribute ideas visually or in writing. It’s also a great way to celebrate creativity, from molecular models to podcasts and videos, all in one vibrant digital space.
Why These Tools Matter
Both of these tools fit beautifully into a hands-on, problem-based approach to chemistry education.
ELNs make the process of scientific investigation more authentic.
Padlet makes the sharing of ideas more dynamic and inclusive.
Together, they help students not only learn chemistry but do chemistry : experimenting, reflecting, and connecting their discoveries to each other and the world around them.
Final Thought
Technology shouldn’t replace the excitement of a bubbling reaction or a color-changing titration , it should amplify it.
With tools like Electronic Lab Notebooks and Padlet, my students are learning to see themselves not just as learners, but as scientists, collaborators, and communicators in a world that thrives on curiosity and connection.
