Resumen de Chem and Roll: A Roll and Write Game To Illustrate Chemical Engineering and the Contact Process
Active learning has recently become considered as a promising strategy to increase the learning outcomes of classes, in particular in the context of chemistry. In this paper an original roll and write game is proposed to increase stimulation in the chemistry classroom. The students have to run a chemical plant for sulfuric acid, made with the contact process, and by manipulating dice rolls, they have to optimize and maximize the production of the substance. The students have to choose a die, representing a reactant in the process, and must combine that die with others using multiple reactions to produce sulfuric acid. The student can also choose to use a catalyst or to maintain a certain temperature in the reactors to improve the efficiency of the process. The game can be played solo or with a large number of players. A 2–4 player version is also proposed to increase interactivity between players, and an advanced version is proposed, which is based on the stoichiometric ratio of each reaction. Playing the game is not the end of the activity: debriefing will highlight the key elements of the construction of this process and will indicate the resources for further research. This activity is a good way to initiate beginners in chemistry as no background is required for playing the game and it is also a good tool for practicing and manipulating chemical concepts for nonbeginners. The main advantage is the low cost and simplicity of roll and write games, as only simple material is needed (4 dice) and the scoresheet is available as an easily printable paper sheet.
