Haptic kinetics: A novel 3D-model of organic reaction processes for inclusive teaching

Structural formulas are the fundamental tool to represent and explain reaction processes in organic chemistry. They contain mostly implicit information about the parameters that constitute the reaction process. Due to their abstractness and complexity, learners often experience difficulties accessing and understanding the information contained within. This can lead to incorrect approaches and may hinder the development of mechanistic thinking skills. In this article, we present a novel concrete 3D model that allows learners to model the dynamics of S-N-reaction processes. The model represents the reaction process and the energetic and structural changes during the chemical reaction in a dynamic and controllable way using only one single concrete model. Due to the realized mechanics and the properties of the model components, the model generates a direct, haptically perceptible feedback when used. Learners can relate this explicit information to the reaction process and use it to form and test hypotheses about its structural and energetic course. Thus the model provides a "haptic kinetic". Due to the complete haptic perceivability, the model is suitable for inclusive settings with blind, visually impaired and seeing learners.