This proceedings is comprised of the edited papers presented at the 21st meeting of the Western Australian Science Education Association (WASEA). The 26 papers included here relate to many different topics such as proportional reasoning, the state of primary science in Western Australia, faculty culture, concept formation in elementary science,…

Test items relating to Project Physics Unit 5 are presented in this booklet. Included are 70 multiple-choice and 23 problem-and-essay questions. Concepts of atomic model are examined on aspects of relativistic corrections, electron emission, photoelectric effects, Compton effect, quantum theories, electrolysis experiments, atomic number and mass,…

The paper describes a teaching model of the atomic force microscope (AFM), which proved to be successful in the role of an introduction to nanoscience in high school. The model can demonstrate the two modes of operation of the AFM (contact mode and oscillating mode) as well as some basic principles that limit the resolution of the method. It can…

We describe efforts toward the development of a hypothetical learning progression (HLP) for the growth of grade 7-14 students' models of the structure, behavior and properties of matter, as it relates to nanoscale science and engineering (NSE). This multi-dimensional HLP, based on empirical research and standards documents, describes how students…

Atomic theory or the nature of matter is a principal concept in science and science education. This has, however, been complicated by the difficulty students have in learning the concept and the subsequent construction of many alternative models. To understand better the conceptual barriers to learning atomic structure, this study explores the…

This paper introduces quantum materials and the notion of using models to aid the comprehension of complex ideas. It describes a hands-on activity, collaboratively developed by scientists and artists, that promotes an understanding of how experts take advantage of analogical thinking and model building to develop important frameworks. Quantum…

Basic atomic theories are presented in this fifth unit of the Project Physics text for use by senior high students. Chemical basis of atomic models in the early years of the 18th Century is discussed n connection with Dalton's theory, atomic properties, and periodic tables. The discovery of electrons is described by using cathode rays, Millikan's…

Presents short articles on: recycling disposable plastics for laboratory use; an inexpensive source of atomic and molecular models; a simplified Boyle's Law demonstration; and a lab demonstrating energy transformation. (MLH)

Over time the account of how the Kramers-Kronig (dispersion) relations between the real and imaginary parts of response functions were derived in 1926 and 1927 has been transmogrified into anecdotes about what might have been done but was not. Although Kramers obtained both members of a pair of relations, Kronig obtained only one. Both authors…

Periodicity in electronic molar entropy values has been shown on the basis of the electronic structures of the elements. Also, with the approximations discussed herein, one can estimate the electronic molar entropy without atomic spectroscopy results. All of this can be accomplished by showing the connection between the vector model of the atom…

Many students in secondary grade levels struggle with proportional reasoning. Calisici (2018) found that 48 percent of students were unable to solve a multiplication problem involving fractions. Furthermore, many students struggle with complex Chemistry topics due to the difficulty many students have visualizing the microscopic scale. "3D…

We present an accessible implementation of augmented reality projections for the depiction of complex structures and motifs, including atomic orbitals and elemental allotropes. The utilization of a free, cross-platform-compatible, online database of these structures provides the access route for closer examination, either via augmented reality or…

The experience of "virtual reality" can consist of head-tracked and stereoscopic virtual worlds, spatialized sound, haptic feedback, and to a lesser extent olfactory cues. Although virtual reality systems have been proposed for numerous applications, the field of education is one particular application that seems well-suited for virtual…

Reports on a screen projectable model of atomic orbitals useful in developing a student's understanding of molecular structure. (SL)

Presents the basic ideas of modern spectroscopy. Both the angular momenta and wave-nature approaches to the determination of energy level patterns for atomic and molecular systems are discussed. The interpretation of spectra, based on atomic and molecular models, is considered. (LC)