Molecular Symmetry at Play: An Interactive Game for Undergraduate Chemistry Students Created with Genially

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Molecular symmetry is a fundamental yet challenging concept for undergraduate chemistry students due to its abstract and spatial nature. To enhance understanding, an interactive gamified activity was developed using Genially . The resource guides students through 16 levels of increasing complexity organized into four tiers─Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert─covering symmetry elements, point groups, and applications such as hybridization, chirality, and spectroscopy. Implemented in undergraduate Inorganic Chemistry courses, the activity promotes active learning through exploration, immediate feedback, and problem-solving in a low-stakes, engaging environment. Over three academic years, 105 students completed the activity, reporting improved comprehension, motivation, and confidence in applying symmetry principles. Results indicate that the gamified approach effectively transforms an abstract topic into an accessible and enjoyable learning experience, supporting deeper conceptual understanding of molecular symmetry in chemistry education.

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Chemical Education
Published
2026-06-17
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.5c01694
Primary Topic
Science Education and Pedagogy
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Molecular Symmetry at Play: An Interactive Game for Undergraduate Chemistry Students Created with Genially

Macarena G. Alférez, Celia Maya
Journal of Chemical Education
Science Education and Pedagogy
article

Molecular Symmetry at Play: An Interactive Game for Undergraduate Chemistry Students Created with Genially

Macarena G. Alférez, Celia Maya
article en

Abstract

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Molecular symmetry is a fundamental yet challenging concept for undergraduate chemistry students due to its abstract and spatial nature. To enhance understanding, an interactive gamified activity was developed using Genially . The resource guides students through 16 levels of increasing complexity organized into four tiers─Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert─covering symmetry elements, point groups, and applications such as hybridization, chirality, and spectroscopy. Implemented in undergraduate Inorganic Chemistry courses, the activity promotes active learning through exploration, immediate feedback, and problem-solving in a low-stakes, engaging environment. Over three academic years, 105 students completed the activity, reporting improved comprehension, motivation, and confidence in applying symmetry principles. Results indicate that the gamified approach effectively transforms an abstract topic into an accessible and enjoyable learning experience, supporting deeper conceptual understanding of molecular symmetry in chemistry education.

Journal of Chemical Education
Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de la Cartuja (ES)
Openalex Percentile: Top 3%
Science Education and Pedagogy
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