Integrated Instructions and Solvent Polarity Indicators:\nReducing the Complexity of First-Time Distillation

Practical work carries a high cognitive\nload, particularly when\nunfamiliar or complex equipment is first introduced. “Integrated\nInstructions” have been previously used to reduce cognitive\nload in secondary education practical work by placing instructions\nwithin diagrams, reducing the need to integrate disparate sources\nof information. Here, we use this approach in an undergraduate-level\ndistillation experiment to focus attention, reduce cognitive load,\nand make space for light “elements of inquiry” learning.\nThe use of a solvatochromic dye as a polarity indicator also adds\nan unusual visual aspect to distillation, allowing students to easily\nestimate or verify the composition of fractions.