CollegeBoard AP Chemistry Summer Institute
Rice University
July 30, 2003

Inquiry Chemistry: Using Computer Based Experiments to Generate Data for Concept Invention

http://intro.chem.okstate.edu/AP/2003/RiceMain.html

Traditionally chemistry is taught using a teacher centered instructional strategy.

Traditional (Concept ---> Data)

This may not be the most effective approach for introducing students to new, abstract concepts. The teacher centered approach relies on lectures to introduce the concept to the student, or having the student read sections in their textbook. Laboratory are verification in nature so the students already know what the answer is suppose to be and they are to follow a list of instructions, perform some data analysis, and verify the concept. Finally they apply their understanding by doing problems.

There are several weaknesses in this approach;

Traditional lecture presentations are not an effective method for helping students learn chemistry.

Current textbooks are effective learning tools for students.

Technology plays a secondary rather than central role in instruction. The traditional approach does not allow students to develop their own understanding of chemical concepts.

The traditional approach does not effectively address the difficulties many students have with solving problems.

Research on instructional strategies indicate an inquiry-oriented approach (based on the learning cycle) is more effective when introducing abstract concepts.

Inquiry (Data ---> Concepts)

Typically the inquiry approach has been focused on the laboratory component of the classroom. With the availability of technology it is possible to produce more sources of data generating activities for students.

Technology has generally been used to supplement traditional instruction. Perhaps it is time technology was used in a more central role.

The resources we will discuss today are some examples of some of the ways I've been using technology in my classroom.