Fundamental Aspects of Chemistry II for Teaching Diploma

Abstract

Selected chapters of chemistry, covered in depth:1a) Fullerenes and curved polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; 1b) hydrogen bonds.2) History of radioactivity and modern radiochemistry.3) Understanding thermodynamics.4a) Direct solid-state analysis; 4b) laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry; 4c) quantitative analysis.

Objective

In this course, participants acquire advanced and in-depth knowledge in selected areas of chemistry. Cross-references between the classic sub-disciplines of chemistry and the unique nature of chemistry as a central natural science are highlighted. The chosen topics focus on areas of chemistry typically taught in high school. An in-depth study of the material covered enables future teachers to understand the topics to be taught in a broader—and sometimes unconventional—context. They will be enabled to critically analyze the subject matter with regard to teachability and learnability.

Content

The subject-specific specialization course primarily imparts key competencies in chemistry. Although teaching methodology and suggestions for designing secondary school lessons may be of some relevance, these are not the main focus. Thematic Focus Areas: 1a) History of the discovery of fullerenes, structural characteristics and synthesis of fullerenes and bowl-shaped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, basic principles of fullerene chemistry and structures of selected derivatives. 1b) Hydrogen bonds: definition, characteristics and criteria, geometries, interactions involved, energetic considerations, relationship between bond strength and geometry, H-bonding in crystal structures (X-ray vs. neutron diffraction), spectroscopic characterization (IR, NMR), common and unusual H-bond donors and acceptors, H-bonding in supramolecular chemistry, H-bonds and the structure of water, nature of the proton in condensed phases. 2) History of radioactivity and modern radiochemistry: From the discovery of radioactivity to modern element synthesis. 3) A refresher on thermodynamics is provided, and the second law's arrow of time is analyzed in detail, along with philosophical considerations. The equilibrium constant is derived from the second law and is accompanied by in silico experiments using ETHermodynamics software. The overarching goal is to make thermodynamics comprehensible to high school students. 4a) Various methods for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of solids. 4b) Specific advantages of laser ablation with inductively coupled plasma combined with mass spectrometry. 4c) Advantages and disadvantages of quantification in geological and materials science samples.

Resources