Visualizing the molecular world

CHED 42

Bhawani Venkataraman, venkatab@newschool.edu, Science Technology and Society, Eugene Lang College, The New School, 65W 11th Street, New York, NY 10011
Computational molecular modeling and molecular visualization tools have been used extensively in courses designed for non-science majors to allow students to visualize the molecular scale and molecular level processes. The purpose of these visualizations is to emphasize to the students how molecular level processes determine macro-scale outcomes. This paper will describe visualization activities that have been developed including activities that help students understand why water is the solvent of life, the role of self-assembly in life, and infrared selection rules important in understanding greenhouse gases. Student feedback and performance indicate the value added by using these tools in making other wise abstract concepts more accessible.
 

Visualization and Learning Chemistry
1:30 PM-4:10 PM, Sunday, April 6, 2008 Hilton New Orleans Riverside -- Melrose, Oral

Division of Chemical Education

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008