2021 Mosher Award Presentation: Exploring the Use of Models and Animations to Teach Chemical Principles

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SJSU Professor Resa Kelly, 2021 Harry and Carol Mosher Award Winner

Each year the Silicon Valley ACS local section presents the Harry and Carol Mosher Award to an ACS member in recognition of outstanding work in chemistry, advancement of chemistry as a profession, and service to the ACS.  The 2021 award winner is Dr. Resa Kelly of San Jose State University.  Professor Kelly will present a summary of her research at the SVACS Mosher Award presentation ceremony on March 3, 2022.

Abstract

One challenge in chemistry learning is developing an understanding of chemical processes at an atomic level. The use of animations and visualizations has repeatedly been reported to be an effective method for helping students make sense of atomic level reaction processes; however, students often fail to deeply engage with these models. It is necessary to help students learn how to compare animations rather than accept them as “truth.” In her talk, Dr. Kelly will characterize the nature of the thought processes that students engage as they construct atomic level models in the example of a neutralization reaction.  She will then describe how the modeling exercise affects students’ emotional responses to ideas presented in conflicting animation models of the same reaction, and how students ultimately decide which animation is most scientifically accurate.

Biography

Professor Kelly is on the faculty of San José State University where she has achieved the rank of full professor and is in her 16th year at the university. She is the Chair and Director of Science Education and teaches General Chemistry as well as graduate courses in Science Education. Professor Kelly’s research interests involve studying how students learn and modify their understanding of chemistry concepts and mechanisms through molecular visualizations. She uses animations and activities to enhance students’ understanding of chemical reactions. 

Dr. Kelly’s work in chemical education research has garnered her an international reputation for excellence.   Her service at the national level of the American Chemical Society has involved serving as Secretary and Councilor for the Division of Chemical Education. She has also served as a member of the Membership Affairs Committee and currently is a member of the International Activities Committee.

• Online via Zoom, Free, Registration Required