Abstract:

3D printing or quick prototyping is an additive manufacturing technology through which a three-dimensional model is created by successive layers of material. The use of the 3D printing technology enables easy, quick and low cost development of prototypes. This technique is changing teaching and research in fields such as chemistry, enabling the manufacturing of precise, complex structures based on a digital model. Chemistry is understood by the articulation of 3 dimensions of knowledge that are related macroscopically, submicroscopically and representationally. The abstract and complex nature of chemical concepts makes it difficult to establish the relationship between these three dimensions of knowledge. The use of three-dimensional molecular models contributes to understanding the three-dimensional structure of molecules, and to the relationship of this structure with the macroscopic phenomena and the submicroscopic dimension. However, these models are not much used because of their high commercial cost. One of the possibilities to obtain these models is using 3D printing. In this context, the objective of this study is to investigate the possibilities and potentials of molecular models obtained by means of 3D impression in teaching and learning Chemistry. For this we performed a literature search in periodicals in the field of chemistry and science teaching. The terms “3D printing”, and ”3D molecular model” were used, combined with the terms “chemistry teaching” and chemistry learning”, published from 2014 to 2018. Thirty articles were selected. Outstanding among some of the findings, as regards the development of the prototype, is the optimization and simplification of protocols to create and convert chemical structures into 3D printable models rapidly and simply using free software. As regards the possibilities in teaching and learning Chemistry, these molecular models can be used in the classroom to discuss various topics of chemistry, such as teaching the VSEPR Theory, orbitals, hybridization. molecular geometry, conformation, stereochemistry, atomic theories, organic, inorganic and biochemical chemistry. And as regards their potential, the use of these 3D models in the school environment allowed the development of visual-spatial skills, enabling a better understanding and optimization of the way the student controls their knowledge in an innovative, interactive and compelling way, rendering learning more significant and useful for their lives.

Acknowledgment:
IFRS.

Keywords:

Chemistry, molecular models, 3D printing technology.