A focus of TxCETP this year has been to introduce inquiry-based course components into lower level undergraduate science and mathematics courses taken by all students, including pre-service teachers. Inspired by his involvement in course reform efforts with Biology colleagues from across the TxCETP, Dr. Morvant has developed several guided inquiry course components that he implements in large "lecture" sections (~ 220 students) to promote better understanding of some fundamental General Chemistry concepts. Two of these course components are summarized in this presentation: (1) using Legos to discover the periodic trends that are hidden in the periodic table, and (2) using knotted rope segments to discover principles of molecular geometry and VSEPR (valence shell electron pair repulsion).

Assessments indicate that students gain a more profound understanding of these fundamental concepts early in the course, allowing students to move forward with greater confidence and achieve greater success in both General Chemistry I and II. Our Collaborative data show that only about 55% of students enrolled in General Chemistry courses that are taught in the traditional lecture mode experience success by earning a passing grade. Over the past four semesters during which students have been actively involved in learning in Morvant's General Chemistry classes, 91% of them have passed the course. Fewer than 3% fail, and approximately 6% drop the course. These outcomes are exceptional, and move us toward successfully recruiting and retaining students in mathematics and science teaching careers.