Thermodynamics: A teaching proposal from computational chemistry

Abstract

The educational process has undergone major changes in recent decades, for example, through the use of tools that provide the visualization and reproduction of dynamic models. In this sense, simulation software and molecular modeling tools emerge with the purpose of developing conceptual understanding and minimizing the mechanical learning of students in Chemistry Teaching. This research seeks to promote a better understanding of concepts and calculations on the contents of Chemical Thermodynamics, addressed in the discipline of Physical Chemistry I of the Chemistry Degree course at the State University of Piauí. In this way, tutorials were produced and applied for the execution of molecular modeling software by students, in practical computational classes. The research method employed is a qualitative case study approach, and the data collection instruments used are subjective questionnaires and a five-point Likert scale. It can be seen that the use of these tools in teaching contributes to the deepening of thermodynamic knowledge, helps to establish a more realistic and symbolic view of the microscopic world, minimizes the mathematical limitations in obtaining calculations and improves students' interest and motivation for learning.