Promoting mathematical reasoning and problem solving through inquiry-based relevance focused computer simulations: a stoichiometry lab

Abstract Simulations model concepts and phenomena. Several researchers have called for an intuitive and user-friendly simulation design to foster conceptual understanding of users. Simulations can also be used to promote mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills of students in various chemistry courses. An example of such use of simulations would be teaching reaction stoichiometry and underlying dimensional analysis for determining the quantity of reactants and products involved in a chemical reaction. In this paper, the author presents an innovative model of a guided-inquiry based simulation for promoting mathematical thinking in chemistry by incorporating mathematical thinking as a component of simulation design. The simulation was implemented in an introductory organic chemistry laboratory course in which a significant gain in pre- and post-test was observed for participating students.