GROWTH. Individuals with a growth mindset tend to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, see effort as essential to mastery, learn from critical feedback, and find lessons in the success of others because they believe that talent, intelligence, and ability can be developed through effort.


About the molecule above: Methylcyclohexane is an organic compound with the molecular formula is CH₃C₆H₁₁. Classified as saturated hydrocarbon, it is a colorless liquid with a faint odor. It is used as a solvent and it is mainly converted in naphtha reformers to toluene.

BALANCE. A healthy balance of work and care for self is important. Individuals that are healthy --physically and emotionally -- can achieve their highest potential. Valuing wellbeing is part of meeting the high standard of excellence. Equally, it is important to balance biases and influences that can skew perception of situations.


About the molecule above: 1,4-cyclohexadiene is an organic compound with the formula C₆H₈. It is a colorless, flammable liquid that is of academic interest as a prototype of a large class of related compounds called terpenoids.


BELONGING. Work must be done with people that are willing to be part of a group and feel that they belong, not just by label but by culture.  A team that comes together in an authentic way, that build an intrinsic energy and motivation produces an outcome that cannot be matched and is bound to grow.


About the molecule above: Cyclohexa-1,3,5-triene, better known as benzene, is a chemical that is a colorless or light yellow liquid at room temperature. It has a sweet odor and is highly flammable. Benzene evaporates into the air very quickly.

Origin of CHEMDUNN.

Since 2012, CHEMDUNN grows each year.   As a high school chemistry teacher, I wanted to provide my students with a place of respite and tools to meet the high bar set out for them.  So, www.chemdunn.org was born.  As time went on, CHEMDUNN evolved to be more.  (Students even started to ask for merchandise - visit the shop here).  Regardless of what (or who) "CHEMDUNN" refers, it always encapsulates the values of:  growth, balance and belonging.