5 Tools to Show Your Students How to Memorize their Polyatomic Ions

You can teach them through lecture and PowerPoint. But, maybe you want to mix it up? Maybe you want to put a little spice in your classroom? Maybe make the polyatomic ion list a little easier to memorize?

After all you gave them the list and asked them to learn it before the quiz-and then nothing happened.

Do I have a plan for you!

#1 Quizlet

​This tool requires almost no work for you. Every teacher and their brother has a Quizlet on this topic. Just pick one that matches your needs and share it with your students. I’ve even made it easier for you by selecting a few of my favorites and linking them below.

• Polyatomic Ion Quizlet #1 (32 Ions total)
• Polyatomic Ion Quizlet #2  (22 Ions total)
• Polyatomic Ion Quizlet #3 (26 Ions total)

​#2 Flashcards

There are these really cool key ring flash cards I’ve seen at Walmart, Target and Amazon. They are perfect for your "obsessed with key rings because I can drive now" 16 year old students.

Of course you can use traditional flash cards.

You can even make some serious waves and tell them you don’t care how they create their flash cards as long as they are: 

1. Reuseable
2.  Easily accessible, and
3.  Tangible (because, well, I think we all know to prepare for the smart remark of that student.)

#3 Create Doodle Notes

You can use doodle notes several ways. Either create for them a doodle note set for learning polyatomic ions from this template, have them use a template to create their own, or use these really cool doodle note stickers to have them create their own doodle note page.

I like these Doodle Note templates from Math Giraffe:

• Simple Template (pictured directly above)
• Stickers Template (Have them use these in their notebooks with practice problems or with notes!)
• Making Connections Template or Stickers (Pictured above right. Have them connect the name to the polyatomic ion.)

Now that sounds like a fun chemistry classroom.

#4 A Worksheet

Use a worksheet that has a lot of practice with polyatomic ions. The more they practice, the easier it is to memorize the polyatomic ions. There are tons and tons of worksheets out there. You just need to find the right worksheet for your classroom.

You can use a worksheet that strictly focuses on learning the polyatomic ions like this one.

Or, you can use one like this that has ionic and covalent and metal and nonmetal naming practice, if you are looking to review multiple concepts.

Of course there is this packet of worksheets if you want all things ions in one place.

​It's your classroom. You set the pace.

#5 Text a Slide Video

This one is my favorite. It is more work, but make this once and you’ll have it forever.

1. Use Canva to create slides with polyatomic ions.
2. Download the sides as a video on your phone.
3. Then, text it out to students.

Easier prep version? Have students make the slides.

I tried this last year and it worked like a charm. Students were all about practicing with their videos because they were easy to access and they always had it ready no matter where they were.

I mean, what student doesn't have their phone on them 24/7?! 

​Put it into Action

Did you come away inspired? I hope so! Now, go follow some of those links and get ready to save time and make your teaching job easier!
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Under your guidance, I have no doubt that your students will have their polyatomic ions lists memorized in no time.