Collaborative Research: Visualizing Chemistry with Infrared Imaging

这个项目将探索如何使用低成本的红外(IR)相机将化学和物理现象可视化。许多化学概念很难理解，因为它们不能被直接看到。红外相机成像在便携式电子设备的屏幕上使用假颜色来指示热差异，在本科化学实验室很容易获得。通过观察化学过程中吸收、释放或分布的热量，可以看到有关该过程的丰富信息。这个项目将开发七个基于红外成像的课程单元，以支持、加速和扩展一系列化学概念的探究性学习，如传热学、化学反应、相变、综合性质、酶动力学和光-物质相互作用。关于无形过程的直接可视化对学生学习和概念发展的影响的新证据将会产生。保龄格林州立大学(BGSU)和协和联盟将开发新的课程单元，探索使用低成本红外摄像机对热过程进行可视化，并对与可视化相关的学生学习进行研究。这些单位将采用预测-观察-解释(POE)周期，在所开展的活动中进行调查。为了展示这种方法的多功能性和通用性，这些单元将涵盖本科生化学课程中的一系列主题。教育研究将调查强有力的学习证据，并确定导致学生学习改善的潜在认知机制。这些信息将导致在化学课堂上使用红外成像的有效策略。这项研究将使用许多合作机构的不同学生群体进行：北卡罗来纳州立大学、波士顿学院、布拉德利大学、欧文斯社区学院、帕克兰学院、圣约翰·费舍尔学院和纽约州立大学杰内索分校。

This project will explore how chemical and physical phenomena can be visualized using low-cost infrared (IR) cameras. Many chemistry concepts are difficult to comprehend because they cannot be seen directly. IR camera imaging uses false color on the screen of portable electronic devices to indicate thermal differences, and is readily accessible in the undergraduate chemistry laboratory. By observing the heat absorbed, released, or distributed in a chemical process, rich information about the process can be rendered visible. This project will develop seven curriculum units based on the use of IR imaging to support, accelerate, and expand inquiry-based learning for a range of chemistry concepts, such as heat transfer, chemical reactions, phase changes, colligative properties, enzyme kinetics, and light-matter interaction. New evidence regarding the impact of direct visualization of invisible processes on student learning and concept development will be generated. Bowling Green State University (BGSU) and Concord Consortium will develop new curriculum units that explore visualization of thermal processes using low-cost IR cameras, and conduct research on student learning associated with visualization. The units will employ the predict-observe-explain (POE) cycle to scaffold inquiry in the activities developed. To demonstrate the versatility and generality of this approach, the units will cover a range of topics in the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. Educational research will investigate robust evidence of learning and identifying the underlying cognitive mechanisms that lead to improved student learning. This information will lead to effective strategies for using IR imaging in the chemistry classroom. This study will be conducted using a diverse student population at many collaborating institutions: BGSU, Boston College, Bradley University, Owens Community College, Parkland College, Saint John Fisher College, and State University of New York at Geneseo.