One of the most challenging topics students in first semester General Chemistry encounter is limiting reagent stoichiometry. Textbooks often use analogies from cooking to demonstrate the concept of a limiting reagent, but this method often attains limited success. Limiting reagents within chemical systems are more analogous to building blocks than they are to food ingredients because of the particle nature of blocks. A POGIL activity based on LEGO blocks was drafted to better model the particle nature of chemical systems and allow students to build conceptual understanding of limiting reagents. Initial class testing of the POGIL activity demonstrated the requirement clearly defined definitions and models. This work focuses on the process of developing, class testing, and revising, POGIL activities to achieve the desired outcome.

Development of a LEGO based POGIL activity for improving student's conceptual understanding of limiting reactants

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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