Throwing Paper Wads in the Classroom– Really Active Student Learning by Jessica and Jeffery Orvis

1. Throwing Paper Wads in the Classroom– Really Active Student Learningby Jessica and Jeffery Orvis

2. Georgia Southern University • Almost 2000 students per year in general chemistry • Small classes (48 maximum) • Table seating in the classroom

3. Equilibrium • Common misconceptions • Equilibrium means equal amounts of reactant and product. • A reaction at equilibrium has stopped. • Equilibrium can only be achieved by starting with reactants.

4. Paper Wad Demonstration • Rules • Each student wads up two paper wads. • You must start and stop as the timekeeper says. • Throw only one paper wad at a time. • If a paper wad lands next to you, you must throw it back.

6. Pwad (left) Pwad (right)

7. Equal Number of Students on Each Side of the Classroom Pwad (left) Pwad (right)

8. 30 Students on the Left Side– 2 Students on the Right Side Pwad (left) Pwad (right)

9. 30 Students on the Left Side– 2 Students on the Right Side Pwad (left) Pwad (right)

10. Six Possible Demonstrations

12. Addressing Misconceptions • Common misconceptions • Equilibrium means equal amounts of reactant and product. • No– A reaction can be at equilibrium and have more paper wads on the product side of the room. • A reaction at equilibrium has stopped. • No-- The paper wads keep flying in both directions even after equilibrium is achieved. • Equilibrium can only be achieved by starting with reactants. • No– Equilibrium can also be achieved when starting with all of the paper wads on the product side of the room.

13. Rate Limiting Step Overall Reaction Pwad (table)  Pwad (trash) Mechanism Pwad (table) Pwad (Alice) Pwad (Alice) Pwad (Bob) Pwad (Bob) Pwad (Chris) Pwad (Chris) Pwad (Donna) Pwad (Donna) Pwad (trash)

15. Summary We have a good time. Students are actively involved in the classroom. Misconceptions regarding equilibrium are addressed.