Flipbook-Based Visualization of Molecular Vibrations in CO 2 and H 2 O

Despite the widespread use of digital and 3D-printed teaching aids, handmade aids for teaching chemistry are still being developed by many educators. In the chemistry laboratory course offered at Okayama University of Science, instructors employ handmade teaching aids to deliver brief lectures on various topics during unallocated time. In one such lecture, recently developed flipbook-style aids were used to demonstrate the molecular vibrations of CO2 and H2O. Participants learned about the different types of vibrational modes by manipulating the aids and comprehended the relation between molecular vibrations and the greenhouse effect through the instructor’s explanation. Additionally, the use of the aids stimulated discussion among the participants. In the postlecture survey, many of the participants reported that the teaching aids helped clarify the content. In conclusion, although flipbook-style aids are low-tech, handmade teaching aids can still captivate students.