Integrating Computational Problem Solving into General Chemistry Activity Session

通过这个建议，我们打算通过将解决问题的计算工具纳入每周的活动课程，来解决学生在普通化学课程中的学习和态度。这些活动课程将包括湿实验室实验与计算机数据收集的灵活结合，数据分析，分子模型和小组问题解决。为了促进这方面的改进，我们计划为我们的普通化学实验室配备化学家的现代计算机工具。该设备将用于每周的小组活动，这是我们普通化学课程的一个组成部分。计算工具在化学问题上的应用将在连续的活动中系统地介绍给学生，这些活动教授并最终整合测量、建模和理解化学现象的不同方法。所要求的具体设备包括为每对学生配备一个计算机问题解决站，该工作站将由一台低成本计算机和数据采集硬件组成。每台电脑都将安装学院授权的软件，包括分子建模软件。此外，还要求为实验室提供计算机投影设备。课程变化的主要焦点是增加我们为学生提供的参与性活动，以提高他们在普通化学方面的学习。通过更好、更高效的数据收集和后续分析，可以改进实验。学习和理解将通过个人访问建模软件而增强。通过创造一个鼓励参与和合作探究的课堂氛围，我们提出的普通化学活动课程不仅可以提高学生的学习，还可以提高他们对科学的认识。

With this proposal we intend to address student learning and attitude in our general chemistry course by incorporating computational tools for problem solving into weekly activity sessions. These activity sessions will include a flexible combination of wet-laboratory experimentation with computerized data collection as appropriate, data analysis, molecular modeling, and group problem solving. To facilitate this enhancement, we plan to equip our general chemistry laboratory with the modem computer tools of a chemist. The equipment will be used in the weekly small-group activity sessions, which are an integral part of our general chemistry course. The application of computational tools to chemical problems will be systematically introduced to students in sequential activities, which teach and ultimately integrate different methodologies for measuring, modeling, and understanding chemical phenomena.The specific equipment requested include a computer problem solving station for each pair of students that will consist of a low-cost computer, data acquisition hardware. Each computer will be loaded with software licensed by the college, including molecular modeling software. Additionally, computer projection equipment for the laboratory is requested.The primary focus of the curricular changes motivating this proposal is augmenting the participatory activities we offer students in order to improve their learning in general chemistry. Experiments will be improved by better and more efficient data collection followed by subsequent analysis. Learning and understanding will be enhanced by individual access to modeling software. By creating a classroom atmosphere that encourages engaged and cooperative inquiry, our proposed general chemistry activity sessions will not only improve students' learning but their perception of science as well.