CHED 1615 |
| Understanding size and scale is a key prerequisite for learning chemistry at the nanoscale. Our research reveals that middle and high school students have fractured and incomplete conceptual understandings of size. Based on our research on student understanding and motivation, curricular activities designed to foster understanding of size were developed for a two-week middle school summer science camp. We identified key ideas, and contextualized the activities so they would be relevant to students. An inquiry approach was used in the activities. Activities included: pre and post focus group discussions to establish baseline knowledge and learning gains; measuring with invented and SI units; an exploration of the nature of linear and logarithmic number lines; representing the number 1 million, and the fraction 1/1000; length to volume scaling; and examining and modeling the effects of surface area to volume ratio – a key nanoscience concept. Students had statistically significant learning gains on the written test; qualitative analysis of small group discussions further characterized the nature of the students' learning. |
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Advances in Teaching Chemistry at the Nanoscale at the K-12 Level
8:30 AM-11:35 AM, Tuesday, March 27, 2007 McCormick Place North -- Room N231, Level 2, Oral
Division of Chemical Education |