Mole Calculations and Lewis Dot Structures in a First Level Chemistry Class
Up to this point I have tried to use the iPad in Organic Chemistry lab and 2nd semester General Chemistry Lecture and Lab. My colleague Cheryl Shimazu has used the iPads in 1st semester General Chemistry. This semester I decided to use them in my Preparatory Chemistry class. I wanted to see how students in their first semester of chemistry, and some in their first year of college, would work with the iPads. My plan was to reinforce mole calculations during lab time. We have a lab in this class that we have been thinking about replacing for some time so I took the liberty of doing a different kind of "hands-on" experience.
Moles are one of the cornerstones of chemistry. Up to this point in the semester students have mastered dimensional analysis with mostly familiar units. But using the mole takes dimensional analysis to a whole new level. If students can master moles then they will have a very high chance of succeeding in the rest of the calculations of chemistry. But often students get stuck in the "mole hole."
I really want them to "master" the concept of moles and how to perform gram to mole and mole to mole and particle to mole calculations. I think that if they are required to explain the concept they will have a chance for it to sink in deep. So as I have many times I turned to the iPads and the app "Educreations" to give the students a chance to teach the world. Here are some links to their productions and then I will make some observations:
Student demonstration of mole calculation #1
Student demonstration of mole calculations #2
What I found was
