5 tips for teaching VSEPR theory

By David Read and Nicola Kiernan2021-06-10T09:43:00

An illustration of a molecular model of iodine pentafluoride showing the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR)

Source: © Kenneth Eward/BioGrafx/Science Photo Library

Use the latest research to help your students form correct mental images when predicting molecular geometries

Visuospatial thinking – the forming and manipulating of mental images – is vital for chemists and other scientists, but little is known about how to support students to develop it. A recent study examined some of the approaches chemistry students apply when predicting molecular geometries. The results provide strategies for educators to support students with forming mental images.

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