Didactic Sequence for the Introduction of Infrared Absorption Spectrophotometry at the High School Level

A didactic sequence is proposed using an infrared puzzle and a didactic questionnaire for the teaching-learning of infrared spectroscopy at the upper secondary level. The didactic sequence that was designed was implemented in person in the subject of Chemistry IV at the high school level, corresponding to the sixth semester of the curriculum of the National School of Sciences and Humanities (CCH), Vallejo Campus, of the National Autonomous University of Mexico. In the didactic sequence, students understand the importance of functional groups where they determine organic compounds, by identifying regularities, properties, and structure of alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids. After applying the didactic sequence, a post-test questionnaire was applied, and the results showed that the students significantly improved their knowledge of IR when using the puzzle that allowed them to correctly identify the bands that identify the carbonyl group.