Three-Dimensional Printing of a Scalable Molecular Model and Orbital Kit for Organic Chemistry Teaching and Learning

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) chemical models are a well-established learning tool used to enhance the understanding of chemical structures by converting two-dimensional paper or screen outputs into realistic three-dimensional objects. While commercial atom model kits are readily available, there is a surprising lack of large molecular and orbital models that could be used in large spaces. As part of a program investigating the utility of 3D printing in teaching, a modular size-adjustable molecular model and orbital kit was developed and produced using 3D printing and was used to enhance the teaching of stereochemistry, isomerism, hybridization, and orbitals.

3D printing for chemical, pharmaceutical and biological applications

“…Perhaps one of the easiest entries into 3D printing is through the production of teaching aids. [29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36] Commercially, the cost of these model sets used in a large classroom setting can often be prohibitive, whereas when printed each individual item can be produced for a fraction of the price if access to a desktop printer is provided. Extension of this concept to other types of teaching aids has seen the production of reaction progress surfaces to represent spectroscopic data in a more engaging format, 37 as well as energy profiles to visualise local and global minima in a simplistic manner.…”

A Study of Hybridization Understanding from Algorithmic to Conceptual – Is Algorithmic an End Point for Students?

“…More recently, 3D printers have allowed instructors to produce physical models of hybrid orbitals and student surveys reveal that students find the tool useful. 32,33 A deficiency of these representations though is that none of them allow students to independently manipulate and construct orbital models for exploration or assessment purposes.…”

Pengaruh Metode Eksperimen Menggunakan Model Problem Based Learning (PBL) Terhadap Hasil Belajar Siswa Pada Materi Larutan Elektrolit dan Non Elektrolit

“…Dari hasil observasi di MAN 1 Bitung, kimia merupakan pelajaran sulit bagi kebanyakan siswa karena banyaknya teori, hafalan rumus serta unsur-unsur yang harus dipelajari sehingga membuat sebagian besar siswa cenderung beranggap kimia sebagai pelajaran sulit dan abstrak karena mereka sering gagal menemukan kaitan antara konsep yang dipelajari sehari-hari serta ketidak tahuan siswa dalam praktik sehari-hari. Pada proses pembelajaran, guru juga merupakan salah satu bagian dalam pendidikan, yang berperan sebagai pembimbing dalam kegiatan pembelajaran untuk membuat siswa terlibat penuh dalam proses pembelajaran [1,2].…”