Abstract: In the evolving landscape of modern education, fostering the knowledge application, scientific research abilities and innovative thinking of undergraduates has emerged as a primary goal in the teaching of Inorganic Chemistry. A majority of the content in the chapter on “Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals” of Inorganic Chemistry II has already been covered by students in high school. This prior exposure has led to a repetitive and monotonous classroom teaching experience, primarily focused on rote learning. To address this issue, the curriculum has been reconstructed and expanded, integrating developments in the disciplinary development and scientific frontier. The incorporation of alkali and alkaline earth metal complexes serves not only to reinforce and deepen the understanding of coordination chemistry from the earlier chapters, but also to extend into important current research areas in inorganic chemistry. An exploratory teaching method has been adopted, employing a blend of online and offline resources, course-based ideological and political education, scientific research progress, software applications, and experimental practice. This approach revitalizes the teaching of alkali and alkali earth metals, making it engaging and profound. It fosters teacher-student collaboration and interaction, enhancing student engagement, encouraging thoughtful inquiry, and strengthening their independent learning, knowledge application, innovative thinking, and scientific research skills.

Key words: Alkali metal/alkaline earth metals, Coordination compounds, Teaching reform, Scientific research practice