Empowering Learners of All Ages Through Innovation, Research and Community Partnerships
Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Chemistry is committed to expanding access to meaningful STEM learning for students and educators from kindergarten through college. Through hands-on programming, digital learning tools, and collaborative research environments, we provide educators with high‑quality resources and create meaningful pathways that prepare young scientists for the future. Our initiatives are designed to support scalable STEM engagement, evidence‑based instructional practices, and opportunities for impactful philanthropy and partnership.
Innovative Online Learning Tools for K–16 Classrooms
CMU’s leadership in digital learning provides scalable, research‑backed resources for educators at every level.
RealChem, developed by researchers at Carnegie Mellon and Arizona State University, offers virtual labs, simulations, tutorials and scenario‑based learning that teachers can integrate into pre‑labs, homework, or in‑class instruction. These tools provide learners with interactive problem‑solving experiences aligned with authentic scientific practices.
The ChemCollective is a collection resources to teach and learn chemistry, including virtual labs, scenario-based learning activities, tutorials, and concept tests. Teachers can use ChemCollective content for pre-labs, as alternatives to textbook homework, and for in-class activities for individuals or teams. Students can review and learn chemistry concepts using our virtual labs, simulations, and tutorials. The ChemCollective is organized by a group of faculty and staff at Carnegie Mellon interested in using, assessing, and creating engaging online activities for chemistry education.
Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative has courses covering General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II. Each module includes text, worked examples (including interactive worked examples), a multitude of thoughtfully scaffolded practice problems (with adaptive and targeted feedback), and assessments. The integration of these components provides a seamless and interactive learning experience for your students. The courseware also provides instructors with data on student performance, which they can use to adapt their instruction to student needs. OLI Chemistry is free for high schools; for higher education, please contact OLI for more information.
The Virtual Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, which provides interactive instruction on mass spectrometry concepts, enabling students to practice investigative thinking in an accessible environment.
These technology‑driven learning platforms support digital equity, scalable STEM resources and evidence‑based online learning environments.
Pipeline Initiatives
Faculty in the Department of Chemistry play an active role in two of Carnegie Mellon’s most impactful pre‑college initiatives: the Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) and the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences (PGSS). Through hands‑on laboratory sessions, guest lectures, mentorship and research‑focused workshops, chemistry faculty introduce high school students to the excitement and rigor of scientific inquiry. In SAMS, faculty and graduate students lead interactive lab modules that connect core chemical principles to real‑world applications, helping students build confidence, sharpen their problem‑solving skills, and envision themselves succeeding in STEM fields.
In PGSS, Chemistry faculty serve as instructors and research mentors, guiding students through college‑level coursework and exploratory laboratory projects that mirror the collaborative research culture of the university. These immersive experiences not only deepen participants’ scientific understanding but also provide early access to research environments, academic role models, and supportive peer networks. Together, SAMS and PGSS strengthen the STEM pipeline by empowering talented students to see a place for themselves in chemistry, in higher education, and in the broader scientific community.
ChemZone Outreach: Bringing Chemistry to Classrooms & Communities
CMU’s ChemZone is a robust K–12 STEM outreach program supporting educators, learners and community organizations. Faculty, staff and students collaboratively design and deliver hands‑on activities and classroom‑ready learning materials that help explain core concepts in chemistry, physics, biology and engineering. ChemZone offers both in‑person and virtual visits, enabling CMU scientists to demonstrate how chemistry underpins emerging fields — from bio‑ and nanotechnology to energy and sustainability. To further lower barriers for teachers, ChemZone manages ChemKits, a free lending library of classroom kits available to Pennsylvania K-12 educators to assist with resource equity, materials access and rural/urban STEM support.
Undergraduate & Graduate Education
CMU Chemistry provides an educational model that blends innovative laboratory instruction with modern analytical and synthetic tools, ensuring early undergraduate students gain exposure to authentic scientific practice. Faculty advisors work closely with students to guide course planning, research experiences, internships, and long‑term career goals — key elements for supporting persistence in STEM fields.
At the graduate level, students benefit from one‑on‑one mentorship, strong relationships with advisory committees and access to interdisciplinary research centers that promote broad skill development across chemical sciences. This immersive training environment fosters the next generation of researchers, educators and scientific leaders.