ERIC Number: EJ744823
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2004-Mar
Pages: 16
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1059-0145
EISSN: N/A
Reasoning with Atomic-Scale Molecular Dynamic Models
Pallant, Amy; Tinker, Robert F.
Journal of Science Education and Technology, v13 n1 p51-66 Mar 2004
The studies reported in this paper are an initial effort to explore the applicability of computational models in introductory science learning. Two instructional interventions are described that use a molecular dynamics model embedded in a set of online learning activities with middle and high school students in 10 classrooms. The studies indicate that middle and high schools students can acquire robust mental models of the states of matter through guided explorations of computational models of matter based on molecular dynamics. Using this approach, students accurately recall arrangements of the different states of matter, and can reason about atomic interactions. These results are independent of gender and they hold for a number of different classroom contexts. Follow-up interviews indicate that students are able to transfer their understanding of phases of matter to new contexts.
Descriptors: Models, Science Education, Intervention, Learning Activities, Middle School Students, High School Students, Scientific Concepts, Interviews, Thermodynamics, Discovery Learning, Learning Strategies, Molecular Structure
Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2189
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: High Schools; Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A