Skip to main content
 

Bonding with the Tutor

How to Stick Together in Chemistry

By William Yee, Kevin M. Bonney

Bonding with the Tutor


 

Abstract

This case study presents the story of "Nick," a student who has been assigned the task of writing a research paper describing the fundamentals of chemical bonds and how they relate to human life. When Nick experiences difficulty remembering information about the different types of chemical bonds, he turns to his tutor, Josh, for help. Josh explains orbitals and valence electrons to Nick, and then they together review nonpolar and polar covalent bonds, ionic bonds, and hydrogen bonds. A final practical application exercise requires that students write about how different types of chemical bonds may relate to the development of Alzheimer's disease and to the mechanism of action of potential drug treatments.  The case is presented with PowerPoint slides and is designed to be used with a personal response system ("clickers"), but students can instead record their answers on paper or share them verbally.  The content is appropriate for use in high school and undergraduate introductory chemistry and biology courses.

   

Date Posted

01/06/2015

Overview

Objectives

  • Demonstrate knowledge of electron shells and valence electrons.
  • Recognize where electrons are located in atoms.
  • Identify and describe the following: non-polar covalent bonds, polar covalent bonds, ionic bonds, and hydrogen bonds.
  • Provide examples of each listed type of chemical bond.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of why chemical bonds are important to living organisms.

Keywords

Chemical bonds; covalent bond; ionic bond; hydrogen bond; valence electrons; electronegativity; dipole moment; Alzheimer’s

  

Subject Headings

Biology (General)
Chemistry (General)

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Clicker, Directed

 

 

Asset 2