Dimensional analysis (DA) is a fundamental skill necessary for success in chemistry. Students struggling with conversions between nanometers and kilometers or relating moles of a compound and respective mass may have deficiencies in math foundation, math anxiety, or misconceptions on the topic. In order to help students overcome these barriers, we will compare the effectiveness of learning DA using manipulatives (a card game) versus example only.  Student will then do supplemental DA problems during a workshop lab/discussion section in Introductory Chemistry. The performance of students in these two experimental lab sections will be evaluated using quizzes and lab modules and compared to a control group (no activity/training). Mastering DA is an important skill, regardless of scientific discipline.

Dimensional analysis in chemistry: Overcoming math deficiencies (manipulatives and problem sets)

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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