Learning equilibrium chemistry using a systematic approach

CHED 160

Melinda Z. Kalainoff, Melinda.Kalainoff@usma.edu1, Dawn E. Riegner1, Matthew A. Deloia1, Russ P. Lachance2, and Andrew I. Biaglow, Andrew.Biaglow@usma.edu1. (1) Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, (2) Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue 66-053, Cambridge, MA 02139
This study explores the use of the systematic method as an alternative to the commonly used table method (a.k.a. concentration or reaction tables) to enhance the learning of equilibrium concepts in General Chemistry. Equilibrium chemistry can be conceptually challenging for students. Furthermore, instructors must often spend valuable class time focusing on the details of the algebraic manipulations required with the table method approach. In contrast, the systematic method deals with equilibrium from a holistic perspective where equilibrium, charge, and mass balance equations are solved simultaneously using a math solver. This enables instructors and students to focus on the core chemical concepts. Study results show that students using the systematic method performed equally or better in five of the six general areas tested. In addition, survey results show a statistically significant improvement in student attitudes toward use of computer technology to solve problems.
 

Chemical Education Research
1:30 PM-4:45 PM, Monday, 11 September 2006 San Francisco Marriott -- Salon 10, Oral

Division of Chemical Education

The 232nd ACS National Meeting, San Francisco, CA, September 10-14, 2006