In chemistry, three-dimensional models are used to help students understand advanced topics. Understanding what causes an increase in cognitive load is critical because a greater cognitive load can impede learning. To understand cognitive load in relation to models, general chemistry students were given both a virtual simulation to complete and three-dimensional models to use to understand intermolecular forces. This presentation will focus specifically on question four of the activity where using the three-dimensional modeling kits, the students were given water molecules, sodium ions, and chloride ions and asked to use the models to determine what interactions took place between them. Tobii Glasses 2 were used to track eye movements while students completed the exercise, and a 16-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) cap was used to determine what parts of the brain were most active to measure cognitive load. Results will include the discussion of the cognitive load and a comparison of what parts of the brain were active when completing each task in question 4 of the activity.

General chemistry students’ cognitive engagement during an intermolecular interactions modeling activity using a magnetic water molecule kit

ACS Spring 2022

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