A teacher from the popular ed-tech platform Physics Wallah has recently gone viral on social media for his incredibly unique approach to teaching the concept of chirality in chemistry. The online lesson not only captivated his students but also caught the attention of social media users, with many praising his creativity and enthusiasm.
What is Chirality in Chemistry?
For those unfamiliar with it, chirality is a concept in chemistry that refers to molecules that cannot be superimposed onto their mirror image. It’s a key idea, especially in organic chemistry, as it helps explain the differences between molecules like our left and right hands, which are mirror images but not identical. Typically, teachers use molecular models or digital tools to explain this abstract concept. However, this teacher decided to think outside the box—or rather, outside the traditional teaching methods.
A Teacher Who Becomes the Molecule
In a now-viral 54-second clip shared by X user Priyanka, the teacher, Harsh Sir, took a completely unexpected approach. Instead of relying on models or visuals, he became the demonstration himself.
He bent into an inverted position, balancing his legs on a chair while placing his hands firmly on the floor. With his body contorted into the role of a molecule, he used his arms, legs, and head to represent different components of the structure.
Watch The Video:
Flipping into an inverted position, he balanced on his hands and legs, placing his feet on a chair and his head near the floor. With this unique physical setup, Harsh used his body to represent the various parts of a molecule, showcasing the rotation of the molecule as he moved. He explained, “Imagine my head represents the COOH group,” while stretching his legs to demonstrate how molecules rotate.
The teacher’s arms and legs represented the different components of the molecule, and his physical movement mirrored how molecules rotate, which is central to understanding chirality.
This physical display brought a complex, abstract concept to life in a way that immediately grabbed attention and made learning more engaging for his students.
Mixed Reactions: Creativity vs. Criticism
The video quickly went viral, racking up nearly 6 lakh views on X.
The reactions were mixed, with many viewers praising Harsh Sir for his innovative teaching methods. One user commented, “The sheer dedication,” acknowledging his passion for making chemistry more interactive and exciting for his students.
Others were less impressed, with some suggesting that using a 3D model might have been a simpler approach.
One viewer even joked, “Either he’s very passionate, or this is a strategy to get some fame.”
However, many defended the teacher, with one user writing, “Harsh sir is a great teacher making organic chemistry engaging for students studying 10-12 hours a day. Activities like these keep the class lively. Let’s respect teachers who care.”
It’s clear that, despite the criticisms, Harsh unconventional method left a lasting impact on those who appreciated his effort to make learning fun.
