Integrated instructions and solvent polarity indicators: reducing the complexity of first-time distillation

Practical work carries a high cognitive load, particularly when unfamiliar or complex equipment is first introduced. “Integrated Instructions” have been previously used to reduce cognitive load in secondary education practical work by placing instructions within diagrams, reducing the need to integrate disparate sources of information. Here, we use this approach in an undergraduate-level distillation experiment to focus attention, reduce cognitive load, and make space for light “elements of inquiry” learning. The use of a solvatochromic dye as a polarity indicator also adds an unusual visual aspect to distillation, allowing students to easily estimate or verify the composition of fractions.