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Adopt-A-MoleculeA guided Inquiry for Increasing Student Interest in Organic Chemistry

Paul Musgrave

Development of the Project

Why?

What?

How?

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WHY?

Why did we need to develop this project?

Generate interest and increase motivation for learning organic chemistry.

Application of information learned in class to molecules in the “real world”.

Build research skills.

Why a term project?

Application of new knowledge as it was learned.

Application of knowledge to chemically important molecules.

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WHAT?

What did we envision?

A project that would spark the interest of the students.

Encourage creativity. Teaching BY the students. Application of knowledge in a way that

demonstrated relevance in “real world”.

What did the project entail?

General Questions. Specific Questions. Molecule Profile. Comparison

Questions.

Project Timeline

Week Description1-5 General Questions6 Specific Questions7-8 Generation and Publication of

Molecule Profile9 Comparison Questions

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HOW?

How did we select the molecules?

Identification of several important classes of chemicals.

Range of topics. Not just biologically active compounds.

Classes of Chemicals

Antibiotics

Neurotransmitters/Hormones

Artificial Sweeteners

Illegal/Dangerous Drugs

Pain Medications

Chemicals found in Food

Chemicals found in Cosmetics

Toxins

Dyes

Pesticides

Others

How did we select the molecules?

Comparable in size and complexity.

Structure that could be discussed within the context of the course.

How were general questions developed?

Applicable to all molecules. Cover various Student Learning Outcomes (SLO). Sequenced in order to parallel topics being

covered in lecture.

Examples of General Questions

What is the IUPAC name? What is the melting point? What functional groups are present? Number of chiral centers? Are chiral centers of R or S configuration?

How were specific questions developed?

Consider specific characteristics unique to molecule.

Importance of molecule. Higher level thinking: drawing connections to

other disciplines.

Examples of Specific Questions

How much strain do you think is on the 4-membered ring?

What should the bond angles be, based on the hybridization of these atoms?

How might this contribute to the reactivity of the molecule?

How were comparison questions developed?

Scrutinize profiles for all molecules in order to answer questions.

Compare and contrast properties of different molecules.

Learn interesting information about a variety of molecules.

Outcomes Students are

resourceful. Excellent quality of

Molecule Profiles. Students’ positive

reaction to project.

Did everything go according to plan?

General Questions. Specific Questions. Grading of Comparison Questions.

Future Considerations

Logical method of delivery for specific questions.

New system of grading for comparison questions.

Last Thoughts

Students learned to connect concepts learned in class with “real world” applications.

Skills gained prepare students for future endeavors.