JCE Online Journal of Chemical EducationDivision of Chemical Education, American Chemical SocietyAmerican Chemical Society
 | Subscriptions  | Software Orders  | Support  | Contributors  | Advertisers  | 

JCE Print
   Current Issue
 Previous Issues
 Supplements
 Search JCE Index

JCE Digital Library
   JCE DLib Catalog
   ChemInfo
 Data-Driven Exercises
 DigiDemos
 Featured Molecules
 LivTexts
 LrnCom
 QBank
 SymMath
 WebWare

JCE Software
   Latest Releases
 Software & Video
 Downloads
 Support

Only@JCE Online
   JCE Online Store
 JCE HS CLIC
 JCE Discussion Forums
   Biographical Snapshots
 ChemEd Resource Shelf
 Hal's Picks
 Project Chemlab
 Reviewed WWW Sites
 "Web-Ed" Articles

About JCE
   Features
 Publications
 Operations
 Outreach
 Contact Us


  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2008  > August  >
In the Classroom
Disorder and Chaos: Developing and Teaching an Interdisciplinary Course on Chemical Dynamics
Steven G. Desjardins
Department of Chemistry, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA 24450
Cover
August 2008
Vol. 85 No. 8
p. 1078
Abstract
In this paper we describe an interdisciplinary course on dynamics that is appropriate for nonscience majors. This course introduces ideas about mathematical modeling using examples based on pendulums, chemical kinetics, and population dynamics. The unique emphasis for a nonmajors course is on chemical reactions as dynamical systems that do more than simply come to equilibrium. By presenting chemical systems that can undergo either periodic or chaotic behavior we provide the basis for understanding how chemistry can underlie complex natural systems. By describing these systems in the common language of dynamics in an interdisciplinary setting, we acquaint students with the motivations and methodologies behind the more mathematical aspects of chemistry. Students learn about the nature of measurement and prediction through the use of spreadsheet software for solution of equations and experimental data collection.
Supplement
Excel spreadsheet that illustrates the use of the Euler method to calculate the trajectories for the Lorenz equations
*
 Download
Contents
  JCE2008p1078W.pdf
 
JCE2008p1078W.zip
JCE2008p1078W.xls (Microsoft Excel)
 
More Information
*
Citation
Desjardins, Steven G. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 1078.
*
Keywords
Computer-Based Learning; First-Year Undergraduate / General; High School / Introductory Chemistry; Interdisciplinary / Multidisciplinary; Kinetics; Mathematics / Symbolic Mathematics; Nonmajor Courses; Physical Chemistry; Problem Solving / Decision Making
*
History
Created:
Last Updated:
6/23/2008
7/2/2008
<< Previous Article Table of Contents Next Article >>
  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2008  > August  > Page 1078


Subscriptions
 Subscription Info
 Order Forms

JCE HS CLIC

Our Secondary School editors work hard to distill all the JCE materials to produce a fraction of particular interest to high school teachers. We call it CLIC.
 JCE HS CLIC

Contributions Welcome
JCE welcomes your submission
 Contributors' Corner

Advertisers
In recent years we have worked hard to better match our advertisers with our readers. When shopping for chemistry education materials, visit our advertisers' WWW sites first.
 Recent Advertisers

Be An Ambassador
Take JCE along on your outreach missions. Copies of the Journal, guest access to JCE Online, our publications catalog, and more are available for your participants.
 Outreach with JCE

Comments to
jceonline@chem.wisc.edu		 Copyright © Division of Chemical Education, Inc., American Chemical Society.
All rights reserved.