Using role-playing game dice to teach the concepts of symmetry

摘要

Finding and describing the location of symmetry elements in complex objects is often a difficult skill to learn. Introducing the concepts of symmetry using high-symmetry game dice is one way of helping students overcome this difficulty in introductory physical chemistry classes. The dice are inexpensive, reusable, and come in a variety of shapes and can be painted to reduce their symmetry. Because the dice have index numbers on sides or vertices, they can provide a uniform frame of reference for students and instructors. The hands-on activities using the dice can be done in class, as a dry lab, or as an out-of-class assignment.