Department of

Problem Solving Methods

Problem-Solving Teaching Method: The Chem Game Approach

Introduction: In the realm of chemistry education, the challenge lies in making complex concepts comprehensible and engaging for students. Traditional methods often struggle to bridge the gap between theory and practical understanding. This problem calls for an innovative solution that can captivate students' interest while enhancing their learning experience.

Problem-Solving Strategy: To address this, we introduce the Chem Game—an interactive educational tool developed by Sarang Dhote, Assistant Professor at Shivaji Science College, Nagpur, and in charge of the Shivaji Science Innovation & Incubation Centre. The Chem Game employs problem-solving techniques across all educational domains, making chemistry both fun and accessible.

Implementation:

1. Cognitive Domain:

   • Knowledge: Students engage with the game by identifying chemical reactions and properties in various mini-games like "Hangman Reaction Revealer" and "Balloon Pop."
   • Comprehension: Through gameplay, students grasp the meaning of complex chemical terms and equations by interacting with them in a dynamic, virtual environment.
   • Application: The game challenges students to apply their knowledge in scenarios like "Airplane Collect Correct Reducing Agents," reinforcing their understanding in real-time.

2. Affective Domain:

   • Valuing: By playing these games, students develop an appreciation for chemistry, seeing it not just as a subject but as a field full of intriguing challenges and adventures.
   • Organization: The inclusion of external links encourages students to explore further, promoting independent learning and a well-rounded educational experience.

3. Psychomotor Domain:

   • Perception: The game’s interactive design hones students' ability to perceive and respond to chemical problems quickly.
   • Set: Through repetitive gameplay, students build a routine of identifying and solving chemical problems, reinforcing their skills.
   • Mechanism: As students progress, they develop a refined, automatic response to chemical challenges, enhancing their problem-solving abilities.

Outcome: The Chem Game not only makes chemistry education more engaging but also provides students with the tools to solve complex problems across all educational domains. By integrating gaming with learning, Sarang Dhote has created a powerful method for transforming chemistry education, making it accessible, enjoyable, and effective.