Atomic orbitals represent an essential and indispensable construct used to build models of chemical bonding in general, physical, organic, and introductory quantum chemistry curriculum. Thorough understanding of quantum numbers, orbital shapes, radial distributions and nodal surfaces of the orbital electron probability density is key to students’ success in building a foundation for bonding theories and other advanced topics. We have developed free online software that allows students to interactively explore the properties of atomic orbitals, and engage in active learning activities and games based on these concepts. In this online space, students carry out inquiry-based activities to uncover the relationship between quantum numbers and the number of nodal surfaces of atomic orbitals, as well as their size and shape. The website is composed of an interactive 3-D atomic orbital viewer constructed with JSmol and a plot of radial distribution function (RDF) generated with Z<sub>eff</sub> from SCF calculations. These two tools are full integrated and embedded in the activity and also available as an independent tool to allow students to continue to explore independently beyond a particular assignment. For example, students can overlap and compare the RDF of two or more atomic orbitals to study penetration effect and periodic trends, discuss s-p mixing, etc... Last but not least, we demonstrate a novel gamification tool that brings fun into the classroom to learn atomic orbitals. That is the BingOrbital game – the chemists’ version of Bingo! – involves game cards (printable from the web site) and an interactive set of orbital shapes and radial probability functions from which, from the radial and angular nodal surfaces, players can identify the specific orbital (e.g., 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 3d, etc…) and locate the corresponding spaces on the card. Completing a row of 5 (including diagonal) wins!

Web-based active learning space engaging students to understand atomic orbitals

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.