Augmented Reality Chemistry: Transforming 2-D Molecular Representations into Interactive 3-D Structures

• DOI: 10.20429/stem.2018.020103
• Publication Date: 2018-03-19T16:57:10Z
• Authors: Derek Behmke; David Kerven; Robert Lutz; Julia Paredes; Richard Pennington; Evelyn Brannock; Michael Deiters; John Rose; Kevin Stevens
• Keywords: molecular modeling; molecular visualizations; 05 social sciences; Science and Mathematics Education; Keywords: augmented reality; molecular representations; 0503 education; app development

Spatial reasoning is defined as the ability to generate, retain, and manipulate abstract visual images. In chemistry, spatial reasoning skills are typically taught using 2-D paper-based models, 3-D handheld models, and computerized models. Research has shown that increased spatial reasoning abilities translate directly to improved content knowledge. The recent explosion in the popularity of smartphones and the development of augmented reality apps for them provide, a yet to be explored, way of teaching spatial reasoning skills to chemistry students. Augmented reality apps utilize the camera on a smartphone to turn 2D paper-based molecular models into 3D models the user can manipulate. This presentation will discuss our development of an augmented reality app that transforms 2D molecular representations into interactive 3D structures. Attendees will participate in a series of interactive activities to demonstrate the use of the app in the collegiate chemistry classroom.