How effective are computer simulations and models when teaching Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsio

1
How effective are computer simulations and models
when teaching Valence Shell Electron Pair
Repulsion (VSEPR)?

• Purdue University
• Christine Ashmore-Good
• Gabriela Weaver
• John Nash

2
Goals

• To determine if
• students learn VSEPR differently with different
  teaching methods
• models and simulations are necessary to learn
  VSEPR
• models and simulations differ in their
  effectiveness
• What is the most effective combination of tools
  for teaching/learning VSEPR?

3
What to Test

• Use of traditional 2-D drawings in lecture
• Use of CHIME simulations in lecture
• Use of a VSEPR lab with CHIME simulations
• Use of a VSEPR lab with models

4
Model Kits
5
Model Kits
6
CHIME Simulations

• The webpage (http//www.chem.purdue.edu/gchelp/vse
  pr/)
• describes how to count the regions of electron
  density around a central atom
• allows students to make comparisons between
  different geometries
• allows for rotation of compounds in order to
  better see the orientation of the atoms
• makes use of many practice problems

7
CHIME Simulations
8
CHIME Simulations
9
CHIME Simulations
10
CHIME Simulations
11
VSEPR Laboratory

• CHIME Lab
• students must access website to learn VSEPR rules
  (prelab)
• students use website to help complete handout

12
VSEPR Laboratory

• Models Lab
• students are given VSEPR rules (prelab)
• students build models then draw the 3-D
  representation of compounds

13
Research Design
projected dates
14
Results
Pre-Survey Scores
Post-Survey Scores
15
Results
Post-Surveys
Pre-Surveys
16
Results
Absolute Improvement
Possible Improvement
17
Results
18
Interesting Observations
Pre-Survey Scores with Percentage out of 12
Post-Survey Scores with Percentage out of 12
Chem 123 is for the top 10 of the Engineering
program.Chem 125 contained a large number of
Physics majors.
19
Future Studies

• Repeat Models Lab to increase size of group and
  duplicate results
• Redesign CHIME lab to require students to use
  website to complete lab
• Test Models Lab with CHIME prelab

20
Acknowledgements

• Bill Robinson, Purdue University
• Paul Kelter, University of Illinois
• Model kits from Indigo Instruments,
  http//www.indigo.com/models/vsepr-theory-model-se
  ts.html