ChemistDice: A Game for Organic Functional Groups

Abstract

ChemistDice is a game of cards and a die developed for first-year general chemistry students to learn the nomenclature of organic compounds and the major functional groups. The game enables students to review organic compound nomenclature, such as amines, alcohols, alkyl halides, alkyne, alkenes, and alkanes, in an entertaining way. It also helps them learn organic compound classification, such as amides, esters, carboxylic acids, ketones, aldehydes, and ethers. The game can be played with two to four players. This study surveyed participant opinions on the game’s usability, playability, and content at the end of a game using a questionnaire. The results showed that the participants generally had positive opinions on the game. The students were also given a 12 item test on organic compounds pre- and postgame, and a comparison of the results revealed an increase in the rate of correct responses. The results indicate that the game is an effective and entertaining instrument for learning the classification and nomenclature of organic chemical compounds.