The Princeton ACS Section May Meeting will be held this Tuesday, May 20th at 6:30 PM via Zoom.
Title: Building Better Chemistry Intuitions: Using 3D Learning and YouTube to Support Student Conceptual Understanding
Abstract: Understanding general chemistry requires more than memorizing formulas—it calls for a deep grasp of how particles interact and why reactions occur. In this talk, we’ll introduce the three-dimensional learning framework—combining core ideas (what we know), scientific practices (how we investigate), and crosscutting concepts (how ideas link across topics)—and show how it has reshaped our introductory courses to boost student success. We will also share a new framework for evaluating chemistry educational videos on YouTube, aimed at identifying strong resources that support students in developing conceptual understanding of general chemistry. Attendees will gain insights into how these approaches can be applied to enhance teaching strategies and support student success in chemistry.
Biography: Ryan Sweeder is a Professor of Chemistry and the Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs in Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University (MSU). His work focuses on improving undergraduate STEM education to enhance student learning and retention. A strong advocate for 3-Dimensional (3D) learning at the university level, Prof. Sweeder seeks to identify and mitigate systemic barriers that contribute to inequitable outcomes in introductory STEM courses.
As a Chemistry Education Researcher, Prof. Sweeder explores curriculum innovations to support student success in general chemistry. His research includes integrating simulations into coursework, utilizing texting systems for enhanced learning, and analyzing the educational practices in highly viewed YouTube videos on general chemistry concepts. In his teaching, he co-developed a flipped classroom model rooted in 3D learning, where students engage with real-world phenomena through disciplinary core ideas, authentic science practices, and cross-cutting concepts. Additionally, as a member of the 3DL4US research team, he helped develop the 3D-Learning Observation Protocol and led professional development workshops for faculty on 3D learning principles.
Beyond chemistry, Prof. Sweeder's broader STEM education efforts focus on equity and inclusion. Since 2020, he has been actively involved in the SEISMIC project, a collaboration among 10 large, research-intensive institutions aimed at promoting equity in introductory STEM courses. At MSU, he has contributed to developing equity reports that use institutional data to inform faculty and administrators about disparities and guide equitable policy or curriculum reforms. His work also includes examining the role of support structures, such as learning communities, in fostering student success and retention.
Zoom Link: Meeting ID, 811 6890 7751
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81168907751?pwd=9aFIeC0fhWIR6c8iambVDwDAzDhx5D.1