ChemCreator

ChemCreatorVR (CCVR) aims to improve a critical aspect of K12 chemistry education– student understanding of molecular structures. It will do this by offering an open space for users to interact with lower-level atoms, using them as building blocks to construct covalent molecules. This simulation is, above all, meant to be liberating– both for the student, who is intended to explore and build, and for the teacher, who can use this simulation to expose students to various aspects of molecular structures. 

As such, CCVR’s design centered around two priorities:

Visualization

• The molecular geometry within the simulation must be based the principles of valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory

Interaction

• The student must be able to create and validate molecules for themselves, iterating freely

In order to determine if CCVR can serve in such a role, a case study is being conducted to determine whether CCVR is effective in aiding student understanding of molecular structures.