ChemisTree: A Novel, Interactive Chemistry Game to Teach Students about Electron Configuration

Simple item page
Author(s)Goldman, Slade
Author(s)Coscia, Katie A.
Author(s)Genova, Lauren A.
Date Accessioned2024-04-08T18:24:03Z
Date Available2024-04-08T18:24:03Z
Publication Date2024-01-12
DescriptionThis document is the Accepted Manuscript version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in Journal of Chemical Education, copyright © 2024 American Chemical Society and Division of Chemical Education, Inc. after peer review and technical editing by the publisher. To access the final edited and published work see https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.3c00678. This article will be embargoed until January 12, 2025.
AbstractElectron configuration provides insight into the chemical behaviors of elements and is an important concept for students to master in introductory chemistry. To better strengthen undergraduate students’ mastery of electron configurations of atoms and ions, we designed a novel, interactive chemistry game called ChemisTree that uses active-learning techniques (e.g., physically building electron configurations onto a game board, small group work, and whole class discussion) and incorporates the three rules for electrons filling orbitals (Aufbau principle, Pauli exclusion principle, and Hund’s rule), using LEGO tiles and plates to represent electrons and orbitals. Students watch an introductory video explaining the rules and components of the game prior to applying their knowledge of electron configuration by working in small groups to build the orbital diagrams of atoms and ions using the materials provided in their ChemisTree game kits. Student understanding is assessed using multiple-choice pre/post-test questions, scoring sheets with peer discussion, and self-reported postactivity evaluations. Students who played the game scored significantly higher in the post-test (62.7%) compared to the pre-test (51.2%), representing an 11.5% increase in average score. Here we provide details about the activity and present data suggesting that student understanding of electron configuration is improved.
SponsorWe thank Matea Tomić for her assistance in preparing the ChemisTree game kits and recording the workshops; the University of Delaware Undergraduate Research Program, the University of Delaware Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and the LEGO Group for funding; the University of Delaware Library Student Multimedia Design Center and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry for loaning video camera kits to record the workshops; the Spring 2022 CHEM 103 students and workshop leaders for engaging in this activity; and Dana Chatellier, Christopher Haines, Dr. Deborah Lichti, Dr. Agnes Ly, and Dr. Yiben Wang for comments on the manuscript.
CitationGoldman, Slade, Katie A. Coscia, and Lauren A. Genova. “ChemisTree: A Novel, Interactive Chemistry Game to Teach Students about Electron Configuration.” Journal of Chemical Education, January 12, 2024, acs.jchemed.3c00678. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.3c00678.
ISSN1938-1328
URLhttps://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/34251
Languageen_US
PublisherJournal of Chemical Education
KeywordsHigh School / Introductory Chemistry
KeywordsFirst-Year Undergraduate / General
KeywordsPhysical Chemistry
KeywordsCollaborative / Cooperative Learning
KeywordsHands-On Learning / Manipulatives
KeywordsHumor / Puzzles / Games
KeywordsAtomic Properties / Structure
KeywordsNonmajor Courses
TitleChemisTree: A Novel, Interactive Chemistry Game to Teach Students about Electron Configuration
TypeArticle
Files
Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
No Thumbnail Available
Name:
ChemisTree A Novel, Interactive Chemistry Game to Teach Students about Electron Configuration.pdf
Size:
2.32 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Description:
Main article
Download
No Thumbnail Available
Name:
ChemisTree SI.zip
Size:
173.02 MB
Format:
Unknown data format
Description:
Supplementary Information (SI)
Download
License bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
No Thumbnail Available
Name:
license.txt
Size:
2.22 KB
Format:
Item-specific license agreed upon to submission
Description:
Download
Collections
Open Access Publications
Open Access Publications