Development of didactic sequences for introducing the UV-Vis Spectroscopy at high school level and first introductory undergraduate courses

Spectroscopy underpins numerous applications in chemistry and related fields. However, the fundamental principles of light and its interaction with matter are often overlooked in high school chemistry curricula. In particular, in Italian Chemical Technical Institutes, students typically receive only a brief introduction to the basic concepts at the basis of instrumental methods, before delving into analytical chemistry applications. To address this gap, a new teaching approach to introducing spectroscopy to high school students was developed. This innovative approach to teaching UV-vis spectroscopy utilizes a range of educational strategies, including historical, inquiry-based laboratory, and STEM methodologies. The aim is to develop a flexible, multi-step didactic sequence with a strong emphasis on understanding the phenomenological aspects associated with key concepts. Notably, the incorporation of a historical perspective draws inspiration from the evolution of experiments and instruments central to the development of UV-vis spectroscopy. Various steps of the educational sequence have been meticulously designed, optimized, and tested across multiple classes. Analysis of student feedback has been conducted to assess the primary learning outcomes and the effectiveness of these methodologies. The insights gained from this study could also benefit undergraduate education, especially in introductory courses on general chemistry and physical chemistry.