One of the greatest challenges in teaching chemistry at any level is communicating the nature of things that we cannot see with the naked eye. Traditional molecular model kits, while effective, do not accurately convey the dynamic three-dimensional nature of molecules.  Alternatively, computer-generated three-dimensional visualizations and simulations of molecules can help students obtain a better grasp of the abstract aspects of chemistry. However, computational models lack the intuitive feel of a 3-dimensional physical model. Research has shown that students learn best when they feel a connection to the material, and science educators in particular stress “hands-on” activities. Furthermore, these software-implemented “virtual molecular models” are limited by mouse and keyboard as input devices, which act more as a barrier than a bridge to understanding these 3-dimensional structures.

MolySym’s patented multimodal molecular modeling system creates a seamless interface between a hand held physical ball-and-stick molecular model and a computer generated virtual molecular model. We call this type of molecular modeling “hyper molecular modeling” or hypermodeling. Hypermodels blend multiple modalities (tactile, force, audio, and visual), thereby improving a student’s understanding of the physical, chemical and biological changes that occur on the molecular level.

The Hyper Molecular Modeling System consists of atoms, orbitals and bonds, like traditional molecular modeling kits, but these atoms and bonds interact with MolySym’s computational chemistry software to deepen the educational experience. As a molecule is created in hand, the software creates a 3D representation simultaneously. This representation is then manipulated via the physical model. As the user rotates bonds within the molecule, the software representation updates the configuration and can then display energy functions and other calculated values based on the current state. In this way, the student can use the physical model much like a joystick for molecular modeling in an intuitive and easily understandable manner.

Kit Contents:
1 Universal Central Atom: UCA
18 Hydrogen Atoms (white)
12 Carbon Atoms (grey)
3 Nitrogen Atoms (blue)
6 Oxygen Atoms (red)
4 Halogen Atoms (green)
2 Generic (beige)
6 Atomic Orbital Pairs (red/green)
6 Lone Pairs (yellow)
30 Bonds

Funding for this project was provided by Dept. of Education Institute of Education Sciences’ SBIR program.