I have developed and piloted an innovative and unique ancillary for Physical Chemistry courses that is “map” of the decisions to be made in order to assess a particular problem situation and create the appropriate solutions. I would like to make colleagues in physical chemistry education aware of this unique supplement. The map is accompanied by a workbook of practice problems that practices using the approaches described on the map. It is intended to function as a study aid to students in the first semester of a two-part Physical Chemistry course or in a one semester abbreviated course of Physical Chemistry for the Life Sciences or Biological Sciences. The map can either function alone as the supplement or be included with a practice workbook.<br/>It can supplement any textbook in the field since its focus is thermodynamics concepts, how they are derived from the universal energy laws and what decisions to make to develop a mathematical solution to homework (and test) questions. The map allows for a visual sense of the connections and colorful depiction of the framework behind the solution to the problems. Plus it gives the students a resource where everything they need to consider for thermodynamics is organized all in one place. Student response has been very positive. It definitely helps both the talented and less talented students to develop their confidence in problem-solving. (Both the map and the workbook containing several hundred physical chemistry practice questions will be published by Taylor and Francis in the Fall 2019 as a package)

Map for a problem-solving guide for thermodynamics in physical chemistry

2019 Fall National Meeting

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