CHED 4 |
| Our study investigated how university freshman chemistry students interpreted the molecular behavior of common compounds in relation to observations of their macroscopic properties. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 23 students during which the students made predictions and experimental observations on the melting of four compounds: sugar, salt, butter, and chalk. The students also made predictions and experimental observations on the interactions of these four compounds with water and cooking oil. Students provided microscopic-level explanations and drawings to support their observations. Our analysis indicated that students tended not to consider particle motion in systems undisturbed by external factors, such as salt settled in a beaker of water. Students did tend to consider particle motion in systems affected by external factors, such as heating and stirring. Students exhibited a range of ideas on bonds and/or the intermolecular forces affected by melting and dissolving. We will discuss our analysis and implications for teaching. |
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Research in Chemical Education
8:30 AM-11:35 AM, Sunday, March 25, 2007 McCormick Place North -- Room N227A, Level 2, Oral
Division of Chemical Education |