Active Learning Activity on Hess’s Law in General Chemistry

TCE

The Chemical Educator

ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)

Table of Contents

Abstract Volume 16 (2011) pp 155-157

Active Learning Activity on Hess’s Law in General Chemistry

Lance Connell and Patricia Metthe Todebush*

Clayton State University 2000 Clayton State Blvd. Morrow, GA 30260, patriciatodebush@clayton.edu
Received April 9, 2010. Accepted September 23, 2010.

Published: 2 June 2011

Abstract. An active and collaborative learning project was developed and conducted at a mid-sized state University to determine if Hess’s Law could be taught more effectively to a science major’s chemistry class. Two sections of major’s General Chemistry I were taught by the same professor. The morning class participated in an active learning Hess’s law activity and the afternoon class received a traditional lecture. The morning class was divided into groups of five students, given Hess’s Law problems written on index cards, and asked to solve them as puzzles. After solving the problems, the students were asked if they understood Hess’s Law and if the class period was effective for explaining Hess’s Law. The afternoon class was given a traditional lecture using some of the same examples that were used in the morning activity. Based upon student feedback, and a comparison of student success on two exam questions, the active learning activity was effective in teaching the concept of Hess’s Law.

Key Words: In the Classroom; general chemistry

(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: patriciatodebush@clayton.edu)

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