2026 CSI Summer Conference: Teach Together

Three VisChem Activities You Can Use Tomorrow
 
Many chemistry students can successfully solve problems and perform calculations while still struggling to explain what is happening at the molecular level. As instructors, we often see students memorize rules and procedures without developing a strong mental picture of how atoms, molecules, and ions behave during chemical processes.
This workshop introduces the VisChem collection of molecular visualizations and demonstrates how these resources can be used to make the invisible world of chemistry more accessible to students. Through several classroom examples, participants will explore how molecular animations can be paired with prediction, discussion, and guided inquiry activities to address common misconceptions and strengthen conceptual understanding. The session will focus on practical strategies that can be incorporated into existing General Chemistry courses with minimal preparation. Participants will leave with classroom-ready ideas and resources that can help students better connect what they see, what they measure, and what is occurring at the molecular level.

All instructors that teach Early College courses for the CSI Agriculture Department are invited to bring questions and ideas to share in a round table session. We will review requirements and outcomes for Agriculture Department courses and share resources and curriculum ideas.