Case Study: Making Learning Tangible
The Challenge
A static N₂ diagram looks complete, yet it hides bond formation and scaling from one molecule to many. That gap pushes students toward memorizing and fuels confusion because of the shallow understanding. Learners were confusing subscripts and coefficients.
Project: “Molecular Buildinator” Simulation
Year: 2023
Audience: Chemistry students
Role: Lead Learning Designer (concept and specs; build oversight; implementation)
Tools: Google Slides; Google Docs; OLI Torus
Team: ETX Design team; GoGoApps (software development)
The Solution
Learners need to play with ideas, not just look at them. I designed and incorporated a hands-on simulation that students can manipulate.
Learners add atoms, make bonds, and form a molecule, then scale up to create the right number of molecules to meet an objective. When they move from one to many molecules, the difference between subscripts and coefficients becomes clear. The simulation is CAPI-enabled, so I could give learners feedback on what they did in the simulation.
Outcome
The “Molecular Buildinator” - a CAPI-enabled simulation that can be iframed into learning platforms.
Incorporated into two Infiniscope learning experiences I led: Radical Pollution and Molecular Quest.
Next Steps
The bank can have C, H, O, and N, but it would be great to add more elements
Refining the CAPI for even more precise feedback opportunities
Watch It!
See the “Molecular Buildinator” from a learner’s perspective. Notice the specific feedback based on the learner’s builds!