2. Preparing a Technically Literate Chemistry Student: Acquiring and Using Tools for Conceptual Understanding of Systems Scott A. Sinex & Barbara A. Gage Prince George’s Community College Presented at the Middle Atlantic Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society, Towson University, MD 30 May-1 June 2001

3. Our goals in developing activities 1.Build a conceptual understanding of systems 2.Be data-driven using science process 3.Enhance understanding and skills with technology

4. Working toward system understanding 3Identify system variables 3Acquire data for variables (from lab or previously collected sources) 3Analyze data to uncover relationships among variables 3Visualize system processes 3Be able to predict system behaviors

5. Why the emphasis on conceptual? To gain a true understanding of systems on the macro and micro scales To carry forward and extend learning to other classes, the work environment, and life experiences

6. Why a guided-inquiry approach? Actively engages students with science process and stimulates reasoning Employs the discovery of concepts and mathematical relationships Meets national standards in science and mathematics

7. Why technology as an enhancement tool? Collecting and manipulating larger data sets Graphing and analysis by regression to build a model Judging goodness of fit Utilizing simulations of other variables Visualizing molecules and processes for collections of atoms/molecules

8. The tools we use TI-83 graphing calculator – data analysis Excel – data analysis and interactive spreadsheets STELLA modeling software - simulations Chime – molecular structure rendering software (freeware) Internet – data source, Java simulations NetLogo (StarLogo T) – simulations of collections of particles (freeware)

9. http://academic.pg.cc.md.us/psc

10. How has our classroom changed? More use of Internet and STELLA simulations in lecture/discussion More class time spent in the computer lab More out-of-class projects that involve modeling data Assessment of understanding rather than just regurgitation or algorithm application More integration of mathematics

11. How have our students changed? Ask more involved questions and are more willing to participate Are more comfortable using technology Handle more involved assessments and projects successfully

12. Department of Physical Sciences – downloadable resources at http://academic.pg.cc.md.us/psc Scott Sinex (sinexsa@pg.cc.md.us) http://academic.pg.cc.md.us/~ssinex see teaching and publications list Barb Gage (gageba@pg.cc.md.us) http://academic.pg.cc.md.us/~bgage see courses taught