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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2003  > April  >
In the Classroom
Organic Functional Group Playing Card Deck
Michael J. Welsh
Department of Science and Mathematics, Columbia College Chicago, Chicago, IL 60605-1996

Cover
April 2003
Vol. 80 No. 4
p. 426

Abstract
The recognition and identification of organic functional groups, while essential for chemistry and biology majors, is also very useful for non-science majors in the study of molecules in art and life. In order to make this task more palatable for the non-science major (art and communications students), the images of a traditional playing deck of cards (heart, spade, diamond, and club) have been replaced with four representations of common organic functional groups. The hierarchy rules for naming two groups in a molecule is loosely incorporated to represent the sequence (King, Queen, Jack, É, Ace) of the deck. Students practice recognizing and identifying organic groups by playing simple card games of "Old Maid" and "Go Fish". To play games like "Poker" or "Gin", a student must not only recognize the functional groups, but also master a naming hierarchy for the organic groups.
More Information
*  Citation
Welsh, Michael J. J. Chem. Educ. 2003 80 426.
*  Keywords
Humor / Puzzles; Introductory / High School Chemistry; Nomenclature / Units / Symbols; Nonmajor Courses; Organic Chemistry; Teaching / Learning Aids
*  History
Created:
Last Updated:
March 10, 2003
February 28, 2005
  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2003 > April > Page 426


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