OH "CHEM-IS-TREE"
A unique and engaging way to study
By Chloe Parker, Class of 2028
Upper School chemistry teacher Jim Stewart found a fun and festive way to study for finals while incorporating Christmas cheer.
The "chemistree" is a Christmas tree used to study for the chemistry final. The concept of the chimistree is for students to grab an ornament off of the tree and scan the QR code to get a question that could be on the final exam. Stewart also added in a fun aspect that one of the ornaments could be a candy prize, bringing some excitement while studying for final exams.
Even the "Big Kids" Love Holiday Cheer
“I was looking for a creative way to review for the final and this seemed like something that was with the season but also kinda fun to do and it adds a little bit of holiday cheer to the end of the semester,” explained Stewart.
As a chemistry student this year, it also brings a sense of nostalgia, reminding us of the Christmas parties we would have in the Lower School. It's hard to be focused on Christmas when you're worried about taking finals, but having a beautiful lit up Christmas tree in class changes makes everyone feel “holly and jolly” again.
Stewart explains how he has seen students react to the chimistree through his own eyes.
“[Students] are always anxious to scan the QR codes on the ornaments, because some of them have prizes attached to them so its made them more interested in seeing potential final exam questions than if I had just handed them over on a piece of paper or something,” says Stewart.
Creativity While Learning
The Chimistree illustrates how Mount Pisgah values creativity while learning. It's important that teachers branch out of the traditional ways of teaching like lectures and incorporate hands-on learning to make students want to dive deeper into the subject.
This year, Stewart has brought a new perspective to studying chemistry and brings a sense of showing other teachers that they can be creative while still teaching their subject. Stewart also makes it so that students can be more creative in how they look at and think about chemistry.
Stewart has constantly incorporated creative activities throughout the year to enhance different learning strategies. Teachers that use techniques like this tend to make class enjoyable and engaging. For students it's a lot easier to understand the “why” of chemistry when taught interactively.
Codie Edgar, Upper School horticulture and biology teacher, she a teacher's perspective on the chemistree.
“I think from a teacher's perspective that it's a really creative and unique way to get your students involved in preparing for the midterm exam but also having some fun and enjoying the Christmas season,” said Edgar.
While Stewart is a new teacher to Mount Pisgah this year, students already have a deep appreciation for his approach on how he teaches Chemistry.
Thank you, Mr. Stewart, for all you do!