Integrating a Card Game into High School Chemistry Instruction on Electron Configuration

To address the challenges in teaching high school atomic structures and electron configurations characterized by abstract concepts and complex rules, an interactive card game focused on atomic orbitals and electron arrangement was developed. The game translates the key rules of electron configuration into tangible gameplay mechanics, incorporating card types such as Orbital Cards, Electron Cards, and Strategy Cards. A comparative teaching experiment was conducted among three senior high school classes with similar academic levels. Results showed that the post-test scores of the experimental class (applying the card game) were significantly higher than those of the control classes. Questionnaire feedback indicated the game was highly engaging and effectively enhanced students’ understanding of core concepts. This study demonstrates that the card game reduces learning difficulty and improves teaching effectiveness by materializing abstract rules and creating immersive learning experiences, thereby providing a new strategy for teaching abstract chemical concepts.