Using your hands to model a concept or even move your hands to mirror a transition state is a powerful way for students to think about the electron pushing formalisms we write on paper and recognize mechanistic and repetitive trends. Using our hands as models changes the two-dimensional static framework of writing reactions into 3-D opportunities for students to conceptualize the repercussions of the transition state. Students can learn the process of using their hands as models as guided through a REActivity.

Interested in incorporating your hands as models to represent the 3-D nature of a reaction? We have the tools for you.

SLICE REActivities are organized by transition state motifs and can be done as workshops (dry labs). It's important to note that we took some liberties in naming a few of the motifs. This has helped students with categorizing the trends for electron pushing and helps when students try communicating what mechanism they are employing for a given reaction. Downloadable pdfs of each SLICE Reactivity and the videos for each motif are available.