Tech Report
3D Molecular Symmetry Shockwave: A Web Application for Interactive Visualization and Three-Dimensional Perception of Molecular Symmetry
Abstract
One of the ongoing challenges in teaching chemistry is helping students explore various structural features of molecules. It can be difficult for students to visualize the three-dimensional shape of a molecule from a two-dimensional printed image. Using a molecular modelling kit in the classroom helps, but such models can be difficult for students to see when demonstrated by an instructor. These difficulties are more pronounced in teaching symmetry, especially recognition of various symmetry elements within a molecule and conceptualization of the symmetry operations.
Keywords (Audience):
First-Year Undergraduate / GeneralKeywords (Domain):
ChemoinformaticsKeywords (Feature):
JCE WebWare: Web-Based Learning AidsKeywords (Pedagogy):
Computer-Based LearningKeywords (Subject):
Group Theory / SymmetryCiting Articles
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This article has been cited by 4 ACS Journal articles (4 most recent appear below).

Fostering Multirepresentational Levels of Chemical Concepts: A Framework To Develop Educational Software
Guilherme A. Marson and Bayardo B. TorresJournal of Chemical Education2011 88 (12), 1616-1622Fostering Multirepresentational Levels of Chemical Concepts: A Framework To Develop Educational Software
Guilherme A. Marson and Bayardo B. TorresJournal of Chemical Education2011 88 (12), 1616-1622This work presents a convenient framework for developing interactive chemical education software to facilitate the integration of macroscopic, microscopic, and symbolic dimensions of chemical concepts—specifically, via the development of software for gel ...

Using Role-Playing Game Dice To Teach the Concepts of Symmetry
Anthony K. GraftonJournal of Chemical Education2011 Article ASAPUsing Role-Playing Game Dice To Teach the Concepts of Symmetry
Anthony K. GraftonJournal of Chemical Education2011 Article ASAPFinding and describing the location of symmetry elements in complex objects is often a difficult skill to learn. Introducing the concepts of symmetry using high-symmetry game dice is one way of helping students overcome this difficulty in introductory ...

Unique Atoms and the Identification of the Symmetry Elements of Molecules
John P. GrahamJournal of Chemical Education2011 Article ASAPUnique Atoms and the Identification of the Symmetry Elements of Molecules
John P. GrahamJournal of Chemical Education2011 Article ASAPExplicitly stating that every symmetry element of a molecule must contain all unique atoms enables students to more easily eliminate from consideration absent symmetry elements and identify those elements present more readily. Additionally, in-class ...

An Interactive Computer Program To Help Students Learn Molecular Symmetry Elements and Operations
David E. Meyer and Andrew L. SargentJournal of Chemical Education2007 84 (9), 1551An Interactive Computer Program To Help Students Learn Molecular Symmetry Elements and Operations
David E. Meyer and Andrew L. SargentJournal of Chemical Education2007 84 (9), 1551SymmetryApp provides three-dimensional molecular representations from a simple Cartesian coordinate file and carries out user-selected symmetry operations that yield a second image of the molecule. If the specified symmetry is indeed present, this image ...
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- Received: August 03, 2009
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