TEACHING THE FUNDAMENTALS OF MOLECULAR SYMMETRY IN HIGH SCHOOL THROUGH THE USE OF THE INTERACTIVE ONLINE RESOURCE SYMOTTER

Nikolay Akatyev

doi:10.59787/2413-5488-2025-49-1-83-92

Авторы

Nikolay Akatyev M. Utemisov West Kazakhstan University, Uralsk, Kazakhstan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59787/2413-5488-2025-49-1-83-92

Аннотация

: Molecular symmetry is a fairly complex branch of chemistry that requires special teaching methods, including the integration of traditional approaches with modern visualisation and modelling technologies. The article discusses the possibilities and results of using the Symotter online resource for studying the fundamentals of molecular symmetry in high school. The visual module and rich theoretical material in the resource enable students of natural science specialties to more effectively learn the fundamental concepts of molecular symmetry, search for symmetry elements, and identify point groups of molecules. The results of a three-year implementation show a positive impact on student engagement in the course as well as academic performance. By using the Symotter resource, the students’ level of mastery of the teaching material is consistently high at over 80%. A crucial role in the effectiveness of the study is played by the 3D visualization of molecular structures, symmetry elements and symmetry operations with the possibility of carrying out exercises for determining a point group of molecules both under the guidance of a teacher and independently. The resource provides invaluable assistance to both students and teachers in learning the concept of molecular symmetry.

Биография автора

Nikolay Akatyev, M. Utemisov West Kazakhstan University, Uralsk, Kazakhstan

Candidate of Chemical Sciences, senior lecturer, e-mail: nikolay.akatyev@wku.edu.kz, ORCID 0000-0001-9248-2753

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