Abstract
Many chemistry students struggle due to a lack of basic math skills. My goal over sabbatical is to develop active learning modules that improve math literacy. I will be collaborating with Dr. Joan Cotter, a renowned math curriculum author whose comprehensive math program utilizes an innovative approach that could benefit chemistry students who have poor math literacy.
Disciplines
Analysis | Inorganic Chemistry | Other Chemistry | Other Physical Sciences and Mathematics | Science and Mathematics Education
Recommended Citation
Clark, Michelle M., "Chemistry Card Games - Games for Learning and Enjoying Chemistry" (2021). Sabbatical Projects. 35.
https://scholarspace.jccc.edu/sabbatical_projects/35
Included in
Analysis Commons, Inorganic Chemistry Commons, Other Chemistry Commons, Other Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons, Science and Mathematics Education Commons
Comments
Math literacy is fundamental to student success in chemistry courses. Research demonstrates that student difficulties in chemistry do not arise from the application of math to chemistry, but rather the students’ underlying mathematical deficits before enrolling in chemistry. In other words, without a good mathematics foundation, many students find chemistry challenging to learn.
Most chemistry courses begin with unit conversion, also known as dimensional analysis. A solid understanding of fractions is required to convert units. Chemistry students of all ages benefit from a review of basic mathematical operations, as well as a reframing of math itself. Fresh and fun games enable these students to not only survive the mathematics in chemistry, but to enjoy using math to solve chemistry problems.
Activities for Learning, Inc. has combined teaching strong mathematical foundations in a fun and inviting way with the RightStart™ Mathematics curriculum. RightStart™ Mathematics has earned many awards over the years as well as the respect of many in the mathematics field. Chemistry Card Games was created with many of the same underlying foundational concepts used in Math Card Games, the games used in the RightStart™ Math curriculum.