Project Lead: Jon Kragktow, Department of Chemistry.

This project aims to enhance student understanding of a foundational but conceptually challenging area of chemistry by introducing tangible teaching resources into small‑group tutorials. Orbitals underpin explanations of molecular structure and reactivity across chemical science, yet students often struggle to visualise them when they are presented only as two‑dimensional diagrams or on-screen three‑dimensional renderings.

The project will provide each first‑year chemistry tutor with a set of accurately scaled, three‑dimensional printed atomic orbitals for use in tutorials, and will subsequently assess the effect of these on teaching quality. These physical models allow students to directly compare orbital shapes, sizes, and orientations, supporting spatial reasoning and conceptual understanding in ways that static images cannot.

By integrating these resources into routine teaching, the project seeks to improve student engagement and confidence with a traditionally difficult concept, supporting deeper learning and more effective participation in problem‑solving discussions. While similar approaches have previously proven valuable in inclusive and accessible teaching contexts, this project recognises the broader pedagogic benefit of tactile, hands‑on learning tools for all students. If successful, the approach could be readily adopted in other aspects of the course, where atomic and molecular orbitals are invoked in more complex settings.

Project outcomes and report due Spring 2027.