ERIC Number: EJ799236
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008-Jul
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0263-5143
EISSN: N/A
Explaining Melting and Evaporation below Boiling Point. Can Software Help with Particle Ideas?
Papageorgiou, George; Johnson, Philip; Fotiades, Fotis
Research in Science & Technological Education, v26 n2 p165-183 Jul 2008
This paper reports the findings of a study exploring the use of a software package to help pupils understand particulate explanations for melting and evaporation below boiling point. Two matched classes in a primary school in Greece (ages 11-12, n = 16 and 19) were involved in a short intervention of six one hour lessons. Covering the same phenomena and particle ideas, one class was taught using the software simulations, the other was not. Data were collected pre and post intervention through individual interviews (n= 2 x 12). In an approach which included the ideas of an 'ability to hold' and a distribution of energy, both groups made progress, but there were indications that the software had helped and more so for evaporation. However, in other cases, pupils could not escape from their initial views and created synthetic explanations with both macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. (Contains 3 tables 10 figures.)
Descriptors: Chemistry, Computer Software, Foreign Countries, Scientific Concepts, Computer Uses in Education, Elementary School Science, Elementary School Students, Intervention, Simulation, Heat, Grade 6
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 6
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Greece
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A