PROCEEDINGS OF THE 23RD ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON RESEARCH IN UNDERGRADUATE MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
2020
Boston, Massachusetts
A local instructional theory for the guided reinvention of a classification algorithm for chemically important symmetry groups
Page: 45
In this presentation I will describe the beginning phases of a local instructional theory that has resulted from a design experiment focused on students work with symmetry groups in the context of chemistry. This local instructional theory will consist of both a generalized instructional sequence intended to support the guided reinvention of a classification algorithm for molecular structures, and the theoretical and empirical rationale for the given sequence. I will also describe the various teaching experiments and how each informed the development of the instructional sequence. The mathematical activity of the participants will be used to describe key aspects of the reinvention process.