Undergraduates taking organic chemistry courses face challenges when attempting to visualize chemical compounds in a 3D representation. To solve this issue students are able to manipulate physical models of molecular structures that can enrich students’ understanding in courses, such as organic chemistry. However, when processing problems using models, students sometimes require higher cognitive loads due to completing unnecessary tasks that make processing information more complex. This study focused on students using Cahn-Ingold-Prelog priority rules to determine the chirality of a given molecule during a physical modeling activity. Tobii Glasses 2 was used to track what students looked at when completing the modeling tasks. With this data, a heat map can be generated to analyze what a student has focused on more throughout the problem. The area which the student focuses on most intensely is an area of interest in this study. Results discussed will include observations on how organic chemistry students utilize physical molecular models while solving problems and how different levels of spatial ability affect students’ ability to assign chirality to molecules.

Using eye-tracking data to determine what organic chemistry students attend to when completing a three-dimensional modeling activity

2019 Spring National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.