Using Applets to Encourage Active Learning and Teaching in Undergraduate Chemistry and Physics Education Brian Martin Peter Mahaffy The King’s Centre for Visualization in Science Edmonton, Canada
Main Goals … Develop evidence based reasoning in students Foster independent (not “algorithmic”) understanding – encourage “playful” exploration “Modernize” critical topics (ie – early introduction to spectroscopy and quantum) Expose students to primary literature (when appropriate)
Design Features of Applets Conceptually “clean” focus Intended for both conceptual and quantitative applications Many are embedded within a “suite” of ancillary materials but can be operated as stand-alone digital resources Flash based – cross platform and deployed on Android and iOS mobile platforms
Exemplars The photoelectric effect IR – suite IR spectral windows
Ancillary resources Simulated experiment mode
The King’s Centre for Visualization in Science A talented group of undergraduate students from many disciplines
Thank you for your kind attention! Questions?