Spatial reasoning ability is defined as the ability to generate, retain, and manipulate abstract visual images. Spatial reasoning requires individuals to be able to mentally rotate objects, view objects from multiple perspectives without moving the object or observer, and visualize objects that are moving or may be partially obscured. In chemistry spatial reasoning skills are typically taught using 2-D paper-based models, 3-D handheld models, and computerized models. Researchers have shown that increased spatial reasoning abilities translate directly to improved content knowledge, and that computer models are superior to paper-based and handheld models. The recent explosion in popularity of smartphones and the development of augmented reality apps for them provide, a yet to be explored, way of teaching spatial reasoning skills. Augmented reality apps such as Aurasma utilize the camera on a smartphone to turn 2-D paper-based molecular models into 3-D models the user can manipulate. This presentation will outline the process necessary to generate 3-D augmented reality molecular models, and it will present pilot data outlining the impact of implementing the technology in the chemistry classroom at an open access, minority serving 4-year college.

Augmented reality chemistry:  The use of augmented reality to generate 3-D molecular models from 2-D representations

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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