What This Document Is
This document is the first workshop for General Chemistry I (CHEM 102) at Hunter College CUNY. It focuses on the foundational skill of unit conversions – a critical component of quantitative problem-solving in chemistry. The workshop is designed to be completed in a group setting, emphasizing collaborative learning and discussion.
Why This Document Matters
This workshop is essential for students enrolled in CHEM 102. Mastering unit conversions is a prerequisite for success in subsequent topics, as nearly all calculations in chemistry require manipulating units. It’s used early in the course to build a strong base for more complex problem-solving later on. The workshop also introduces a general problem-solving approach applicable beyond chemistry.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This workshop does *not* provide a comprehensive lecture on unit conversion theory. It assumes students have some prior exposure to the concepts, likely through homework assignments. It also doesn’t offer fully worked-out solutions; instead, it encourages students to develop their own understanding through guided practice and peer discussion. It is a practice exercise, not a standalone learning resource.
What This Document Provides
This workshop includes:
* A list of key equality statements for common unit conversions (miles to kilometers, feet to inches, pounds to kilograms, etc.).
* Two parts: a “feel for size” section with conceptual questions, and a “complex unit conversions” section applying dimensional analysis.
* A framework for approaching problem-solving, broken down into three steps: analysis, solution, and assessment.
* A sample problem with a guided solution process, demonstrating how to plan, set up, and evaluate a conversion calculation.
* Practice problems for group work and independent submission.
This preview does *not* include the answers to the practice problems, the complete worked solution to the sample problem, or the full discussion of problem-solving strategies.
