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BUILDING BONDS: INTERLOCKING TOY BUILDING BLOCKS AND ORGANIC CHEMISTRY ARE MORE ALIKE THAN YOU THINK**

Abstract

This research examines innovative instructional strategies for teaching organic chemistry. Interlocking toy building blocks (e.g., LEGO) are used to demonstrate key reactions and select mechanisms in organic chemistry for teaching modules both online and in traditional classrooms. Interlocking building blocks were assembled on a baseplate to depict chemistry concepts of functional groups, resonance, acid-base reactions through the perspective of CARIO (reaction of phenol with sodium hydroxide, dissociation of phenol as an acid); SN2 vs SN1 Reactions (reactivity and carbocation stability, leaving group preference, solvent impact); stereochemistry (“wedges” and “dashes”, various forms of isomers, chiral centers, cis/trans); and aromatic reactions (coupling, hydrogenation, etc.) The modules cover key topics in an undergraduate chemistry course for chemistry and STEM majors, and interlocking toy building blocks provide a viable solution, complemented by a document camera, for both in-person and online modes of delivery. Quizzes assess the efficacy of the modules, quantify the results, and receive subjective feedback from the end-user. Preliminary results have indicated a high level of engagement, the effectiveness of transcending language barriers, and a need for further development and standardization of teaching aid modules, such as the toy interlocking building blocks.

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