CHED 1481 |
| The particulate nature of matter (PNM) is fundamental to understanding modern chemistry, and new national standards require that elementary students learn some of these ideas. However, research has shown elementary teachers are not comfortable teaching PNM. Therefore, we used a constructivist perspective to explore pre-service elementary teachers' conceptions of PNM in the context of phase changes of water. The students were enrolled in a chemistry course designed specifically for elementary education majors. We used a chemistry concept inventory, individual interviews, and surveys to conduct a three-year investigation of students' understanding of PNM as well as any changes in their understanding during the course. This talk will present students' initial and final concepts of PNM and the conceptual changes that occurred during the course. We will also discuss how our findings indicate approaches that chemistry departments can take to prepare elementary teachers to become successful science teachers as well. |
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Chemistry Education Research
1:30 PM-4:55 PM, Tuesday, April 8, 2008 Hilton New Orleans Riverside -- HEC A, Oral
Division of Chemical Education |