Title: Visualizing molecules using Augmented Reality (and more)
Abstract: Understanding 3D geometry is a key skill in chemistry. While some students find converting a 2D representation into a 3D model in their mind straightforward, others find this sort of mental transformation challenging. We have explored various tools for making this step easier for students, including large-scale 3D models for the lecture theatre, 3D printing pens, laser cut acrylic molecular models, and most recently, an augmented reality app. All of these tools are free and open-source and can be freely or inexpensively adapted to any classroom in which an appreciation of 3D geometry is important.
Biographies:
Scott McIndoe is a professor in the chemistry department at the University of Victoria. Scott’s teaching interests are focused on getting large classes engaged, enthused, and thinking. He has blended his love of making things (https://www.instructables.com/member/makendo/instructables/) with his love for teaching, and most of his classroom innovations are focused on getting students hands-on with chemistry in some way. He runs a research group who builds tools for the mechanistic analysis of catalytic reactions. He spent a sabbatical term in 2016 as an Artist in Residence at Autodesk’s Pier 9 workshop in San Francisco, was an Erskine Fellow at the University of Canterbury in 2018 and became a 3M National Teaching Fellow in 2022.
Violeta Iosub is an assistant teaching professor in the chemistry department at the University of Victoria. Violeta’s teaching responsibilities include large enrollment introductory organic chemistry and bio-organic chemistry classes. Her teaching is student-centered, and her interests focus on active learning strategies for large enrolment classes. Violeta is the most recent recipient of UVic’s Faculty of Science Teaching Excellence Award.