Tools for Teaching Chemistry

Transcription

1 Tools for Teaching Chemistry Dan Damelin NEACT Summer Conference August 9, 2010

2 is a nonprofit educational research and development organization based in Concord, Massachusetts. creates interactive materials that leverage the power of information technologies. has a goal to improve learning opportunities for ALL students.

3 Range of Tools Tools for Students Probeware Data analysis tools Multimedia animations and video Interactive dynamic models Tools for Teachers Collections of digital materials Online course management systems Hardware that facilitates communication and interaction

4 Probeware Concord Consortium founder Bob Tinker pioneered early work in this area. Vernier PASCO Natural Chemistry - Lab Aids DIY - share/workshop4/

5 Probeware Concord Consortium founder Bob Tinker pioneered early work in this area. Vernier PASCO Natural Chemistry - Lab Aids DIY - share/workshop4/

6 Probeware Concord Consortium founder Bob Tinker pioneered early work in this area. Vernier PASCO Natural Chemistry - Lab Aids DIY - share/workshop4/

7 Probeware Concord Consortium founder Bob Tinker pioneered early work in this area. Vernier PASCO Natural Chemistry - Lab Aids DIY - share/workshop4/!

8 Why are probes valuable tools? displays immediately data that one normally can t see with another device (sonar ranger displays velocity and acceleration) collects data faster than normal devices (sometimes over thousands of times per second) records and displays data collected over long periods of time (some even up to a year) displays simultaneously on the same graph combines the collection from multiple probes uses the results of two or more different probes to provide a derived display (for example, electrical power being displayed from data collected from a voltage and current probe)

9 Data Analysis Tools Spreadsheet Programs - Excel, OpenOffice Vernier - Graphical Analysis PASCO - DataStudio

10 Models and Simulations Dynamic Molecular Modeling 3D Interactive Models Simulations of Macro Level Lab Experience

11 Static attempt at teaching phase change

12 Ideal Learning Environment Dynamic nature of atomic/molecular systems not easily conveyed with text and static images. Animations help, but don t allow students to construct knowledge. Student is passive learner. Models which are computed in real-time allow users to probe the simulation by changing parameters. Student becomes an active learner.

13 The Modeling Environment: Molecular Workbench a molecular dynamics tool. Open-source crossplatform molecular dynamic engine. Calculates complex realtime interactions between atoms and molecules. User friendly interface for creating custom modelbased activities.

14 Using models to teach phase change

15 Other reasons to like models Help to provide a concrete scaffold for new abstract concepts. Can be used in guided inquiry mode. Promotes reasoning and supporting ideas with evidence. Can link to macro-scale phenomena.

16 A Couple of Quotes A concise summary of the last 100 years of science is that atoms and molecules are 85% of physics, 100% of chemistry and 90% of modern molecular biology. - Leon Lederman... all things are made of atoms little particles that move around in perpetual motion, attracting each other when they are a little distance apart, but repelling upon being squeezed into one another. - Richard Feynman

17 Variety of Models 2D and 3D Molecular Dynamics Models 3D Exploration of Static Molecular Representation Abstract dynamic models of DNA, RNA and proteins Flash based models

18 Variety of Models 2D and 3D Molecular Dynamics Models 3D Exploration of Static Molecular Representation Abstract dynamic models of DNA, RNA and proteins Flash based models

19 Variety of Models 2D and 3D Molecular Dynamics Models 3D Exploration of Static Molecular Representation Abstract dynamic models of DNA, RNA and proteins Flash based models

20 Variety of Models 2D and 3D Molecular Dynamics Models 3D Exploration of Static Molecular Representation Abstract dynamic models of DNA, RNA and proteins Flash based models

21 Variety of Models 2D and 3D Molecular Dynamics Models 3D Exploration of Static Molecular Representation Abstract dynamic models of DNA, RNA and proteins Flash based models

22 Variety of Models 2D and 3D Molecular Dynamics Models 3D Exploration of Static Molecular Representation Abstract dynamic models of DNA, RNA and proteins Flash based models

23 Phys/Chem - Spectroscopy

24 Chemistry - Chemical Reactions

25 Biology - Diffusion, Osmosis, and Active Transport

26 Chem/Bio - Intermolecular Attractions

27 Other Resources for 3D Models Molecules in Motion Websites_Using_Jmol

28 Other Model Platforms NetLogo: netlogo Virtual Chem Lab: Simulates Solution Chemistry at Macro-level. Used to supplement wet-lab More experiments quickly No safety issue for some labs that include dangerous chemicals.

29 Inquiry Is Key Going deeper can simplify science Most scientific phenomena can be explained by fundamental ideas of the atomic nature of matter, conservation of energy, Nature s tendency toward equilibrium. Science through this lens is more connected - less individual facts to memorize. Conceptual understanding is the goal. Utilize interactive models, to allow inquiry at the atomic level. Teachers are essential for inquiry approach to work.

30 Research Findings Modeling software that is sufficiently flexible and thoughtfully applied results in deep learning. Interactivity creates the rich, highly associated mental network of concepts that we know contributes to lasting understanding.

31 Research Findings Interactive models are visually engaging in a way that makes them accessible to students with different learning styles. Student explorations can lead to an understanding of connections between atomic-scale events and those events that they can observe at the macroscopic scale.

32 RI-ITEST Results Chem Students!

33 RI-ITEST Results Teachers!

34 Tools for Teachers Collections of digital materials Hardware Clickers cheap digital cameras Online Course Management Systems Moodle Sakai Custom tools for specific collections: RI-ITEST web portal -

35 Technology is Not a Magic Bullet Tech is just a tool Can be used poorly or to better engage students At the student level - primary use is to improve inquiry For teachers - more efficient management and communications

36 Contact Info Daniel Damelin