The purpose of this study was to investigate how mental rotation strategies affect the identification of chemical structural formulas. This study conducted event-related potentials (ERPs) experiments. In addition to the data collected in the ERPs, a Chemical Structure Conceptual Questionnaire and interviews were also administered for data collection. Eighteen university students majoring in chemistry were recruited. In the ERP experiments, the participants were required to identify 2D figures, 2D chemical structural formulas, 3D objects and 3D chemical structural formulas. The contours of 2D figures are similar to those of 2D chemical structural formulas, but they contain no content knowledge. Likewise, the contours of 3D objects are similar to 3D chemical structural formulas without content knowledge. The results showed that all students used similar strategies of mental rotation in identifying 2D figures, 3D objects and 3D chemical structural formulas. However, the high-achieving students used different strategies in identifying 2D figures and chemical structural formulas, while the low-achieving students tended to use similar strategies of mental rotation in identifying both 2D figures and chemical structural formulas. The results indicate that some of the difficulties in identifying 2D chemical structural formulas that students encounter are due to their inappropriate strategies of mental rotation.

The complexity of naming and writing structures of functional groups presents a challenge for many students, often leading to difficulties in mastering fundamental concepts in organic chemistry. This underscores the need for an innovative teaching tool to improve students' understanding and attitude toward the abstract concept of organic chemistry. This study examined the effect of an improvised molecular kit on students' academic performance and attitudes in organic chemistry, focusing on the concepts of alcohol, aldehyde, carboxylic acid, ester, ether, and ketone. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was employed, comparing the control group (traditional teaching methods) with the experimental group (using the improvised molecular kit). Pretest results indicated that both groups initially "did not meet the expectation" in all topics. However, posttest scores showed significant improvement, with the experimental group achieving higher mean scores, while the control group remained at a level of "fairly satisfactory" to "satisfactory." Statistical analysis ANCOVA confirmed significant differences (p < .001) in learning gains, demonstrating the effectiveness of the molecular kit. Furthermore, students' attitudes toward the kit were positive, with strong agreement on its ability to enhance engagement, understanding, and visualization of molecular structures. These findings suggest that the improvised molecular kit is an effective instructional tool, improving conceptual retention and fostering a more interactive learning experience. Integrating hands-on learning strategies in organic chemistry could significantly enhance students' comprehension and overall academic performance.