This session is facilitated by Joan Waweru
About this session
Participants will be taken through an interactive short introduction on molecular symmetry. This short 30-minute introduction will include activities that illustrate the current methods used to teach the subject such as visualization, use of pens and a 3D web tool. After this, the participants will give feedback on the interaction they had with the traditional methods of teaching molecular symmetry.
They will then be directed to a one-page website that has QR codes, which they will scan and get Augmented Reality models of different molecules using an app known as Augment. From this, for 30 minutes the participants will interact with the models and manipulate the symmetries of different molecules and give feedback on how the Augmented Reality models aided their learning process.
Goals of this session
The goal of this session is to showcase the visual possibilities of technology, which can be emulated to make Chemistry education interesting and understandable to individuals who are neurodivergent. This will be achieved by an Augmented Reality - based symmetry gallery to simulate molecular symmetry.
Molecular symmetry is taught in a rather vague way, where students are expected to visualize molecular movements. For individuals who are neurodivergent, this is a difficult task as it needs a high level of attention to keep up. This session will be a show of the impact that the use of Augmented Reality in Chemistry education can have on neurodivergent individuals. It aims to inspire participants to come up with and implement tools that will aid the education of neurodivergent individuals.