Successful organic chemistry students must not only learn the chemical reactions associated with the discipline, but also be able to use those reactions to design synthetic pathways to complex molecules. Unfortunately, many students approach this task with reluctance. This attitude prevents them from effectively learning the material presented in organic chemistry.<br/><br/>A specialized deck of cards and card game were created to make learning organic chemistry reactions and organic synthesis more fun for students. Using the popular “deck-building” game mechanic, this competitive game allows players to combine dozens of reagent cards in hundreds of different reactions. Completed syntheses are awarded points based on the overall complexity of the synthesis. These points are used to both gain access to new reagents cards and to determine the winner of the game.<br/><br/>Pre-/post-testing data and student attitude surveys were collected and used to evaluate the effectiveness of this game.

Teaching organic synthesis using game-based learning

251st National Meeting (2016)

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