Guided inquiry activities focusing on both process skills and content knowledge have been developed for a two-semester physical chemistry course.  The foundational topics in the first semester comprise thermodynamics, kinetics, and quantum mechanics, whereas the in-depth topics in the second semester cover thermodynamics, statistical thermodynamics, reaction dynamics, and spectroscopy.  Activities in the second semester build upon content from the first semester by incorporating a molecular level approach.  Each activity has been structured to follow the learning cycle components of exploration and concept invention, with further exploration and application done outside of class time through assigned reading from the textbook and by completion of tutorials and problems in an online homework system, respectively.  Example activities from both semesters will be discussed and a suggested order of topics will be presented, along with the basis for ordering of the content.  Additionally, further refinements and possible additional activity topics will be explored.

Development of foundational and in-depth guided inquiry activities for physical chemistry

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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