Chemistry Chat:
A Fun and Interactive Icebreaker for the First Day of Chemistry Class
Let’s face it … those first few days of school can be overwhelming. You’re learning names, setting expectations, handing out syllabi, organizing lab safety rules, and trying to get a read on your new group of students. The last thing you want is a room full of glazed-over eyes as you launch into the dreaded reading of the class syllabus. That’s where Chemistry Chat comes in!
Don’t be the teacher that reads the syllabus out loud on the first day. Be the teacher that uses an awesome first day activity to get students out of their seats to help them meet one another. Not only is this a super-duper icebreaker activity, Chemistry Chat also provides you the teacher with valuable insights into the skills your students have (and don’t have!) as they begin your class.
Chemistry Chat is one of my favorite ways to kick off the school year. It’s a simple but powerful icebreaker that gets your students up, moving, talking, and thinking scientifically. It sets the tone for the kind of classroom environment you want to create: collaborative, curious, and chemistry-minded.
What is Chemistry Chat?
Chemistry Chat is a first-day-of-school icebreaker lab station activity that’s designed specifically for chemistry students. It’s structured as a series of engaging chat stations where students work in pairs or small groups to respond to prompts, questions, or mini-tasks that get them talking about science and about each other.
Each station includes a short, open-ended prompt like:
- "Describe what is happening in the dancing raisin demonstration."
- "What happened when the magnet was placed against the flask?"
- "If you could travel anywhere, what place would you choose? Include your answer and those of your group members.
These prompts are intentionally low-stakes and designed to spark conversation, even among students who are shy or nervous. There’s no “right or wrong” answer at this stage. The goal is to encourage curiosity and create connections."
Why I Love Using Chemistry Chat
💬 It gets students talking.
Chemistry Chat gets students out of their seats and actively engaging with their peers. It gives them a chance to shake off those first-day jitters in a safe, structured way.
🔬 It’s science-minded without being intimidating.
While it’s fun and interactive, Chemistry Chat also introduces your students to key science skills like observation, discussion, inference, and evidence-based thinking.
👥 It builds classroom community.
Students leave class feeling like they belong. They’ve had a chance to meet each other, share ideas, and feel seen and heard.
🧪 It gives you insights.
As you circulate and listen, you’ll get a quick sense of where your students are in terms of prior knowledge, communication skills, and comfort with scientific concepts.
What’s Included in the Resource?
The Chemistry Chat resource comes with everything you need to implement this on Day 1, including:
- 10 printable lab station cards with thought-provoking chemistry prompts
- Editable version so you can tailor questions to your specific course
- Student answer sheet to encourage accountability and reflection
- Teacher guide with setup tips, timing suggestions, and optional follow-up activities
Want to Try Chemistry Chat in Your Classroom?
This activity is available on my Teachers Pay Teachers store, and it’s ready for you to print and use with minimal prep. You can check it out here:
👉 Chemistry Chat: First Day of School Icebreaker Lab Activity
If you're looking for a fun, low-stress, meaningful way to start your chemistry class off on the right foot, Chemistry Chat might be just what you need. Your students will leave that first day feeling engaged, connected, and excited about the year ahead.
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