Effectively mastering organic chemistry means having the ability to recognize structural patterns, identify properties or behaviors as a result of patterns, manipulate and transform representations, and predict future outcomes. Often students rely on rote memorization of seemingly disconnected information instead of developing a sound understanding and finding meaning in scientific representations. Spectroscopic techniques, such as infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, are essential analytic tools addressed in organic chemistry instruction, that have the potential to reinforce fundamental molecular phenomena and facilitate an understanding of structure-property relations. In addition to problem-solving, spectroscopy can be used as a way to interconnect various phenomena as a slight change in molecular structure can result in an observable difference on a spectrum. In this study, a physical model was designed to help students visualize concepts involved when solving infrared spectra. The physical model incorporates the harmonic oscillator model and Hooke's Law to study dynamic vibrations between atoms. Various concepts are addressed with the model to abstract principles about how bonds interact with infrared light as well as how reduced mass, bond order, electronegativity, bond dipole, and bond polarity influence peak position and peak intensity on a spectrum. Additionally, augmented reality models were developed to support visualization of the concepts relevant to proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The models use ball and stick structures, electrostatic potential maps, and molecular orbitals to illustrate the principles of nuclei spin, proton equivalence, and electron distribution. Both the infrared spectroscopy physical model and augmented reality proton nuclear magnetic resonance models have a corresponding worksheet developed to facilitate how to use the model to understand the underlying principles and deter the need for memorization. The activities were designed using Contrasting Cases for students to learn by finding patterns in structures and spectra. The activities have been thoroughly tested in organic chemistry laboratories. The results of which reveal the activities support students in visualizing structures and developing sound assumptions and mental models about the interactions between energy and matter as it relates to these spectroscopic techniques. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]