Integrated instructions and solvent polarity indicators : reducing the complexity of first-time distillation

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Thomson, Patrick I. T. and Cleary, Deborah (2024) Integrated instructions and solvent polarity indicators : reducing the complexity of first-time distillation. Journal of Chemical Education, 101 (10). pp. 4321-4326. ISSN 0021-9584 (https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.4c00466)

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Abstract

Practical work carries a high cognitive load, particularly when unfamiliar or complex equipment is first introduced. “Integrated Instructions” have been previously used to reduce cognitive load in secondary education practical work by placing instructions within diagrams, reducing the need to integrate disparate sources of information. Here, we use this approach in an undergraduate-level distillation experiment to focus attention, reduce cognitive load, and make space for light “elements of inquiry” learning. The use of a solvatochromic dye as a polarity indicator also adds an unusual visual aspect to distillation, allowing students to easily estimate or verify the composition of fractions.

ORCID iDs

Thomson, Patrick I. T. ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9831-9199 and Cleary, Deborah;
  • Item type:Article
    ID code:90484
    Dates:
    Date
    Event
    8 October 2024
    Published
    9 September 2024
    Published Online
    27 August 2024
    Accepted
    28 March 2024
    Submitted
    Subjects:Science > Chemistry
    Department:Faculty of Science > Pure and Applied Chemistry
    Depositing user: Pure Administrator
    Date deposited:05 Sep 2024 10:41
    Last modified:11 Nov 2024 14:26
    URI:https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/90484
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