Summary of Procedure:
This is a "dry lab" exercise using molecular models to explore stereochemistry.
This is very helpful to the students if you do this exercise during the week that you are looking at stereochemistry in the lecture.
Student Handout 2010: stereochemistry
Student Handout 2008 stereochemistry
Positive aspects of this experiment:
+ Its hands on. Students who are “kinetic learners” will benefit greatly from this exercise. It is also important to expose students to the use of chemical models as a learning technique.
+ It related directly to the material being covered in the lecture.
Neutral (may be positive or negative) aspects of this experiment:
± I have my TAs make up enough kits ahead of time for students to work in pairs.
± Students can bring their own model kits if they want.
± I like the plastic kits with the round atoms. They seem to be very rugged and easy to work with.
Negative aspects of this experiment:
- There are several different model kits available. Some are better than others.
- For some reason, students rarely make all the structures even though they are exhorted to do so. Maybe most students are not kinetic learners…
Inquiry & Extension Ideas:
● Additional stereochemistry challenges such as chiral molecules with no asymmetric carbons, and other unusual molecules.
Student Comments:
Student_Comments_2008_Stereochemistry
Student_Comments_2007:_Stereochemistry
Photo Gallery:
