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ERIC Number: EJ1228487
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Sep
Pages: 6
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0036-8555
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Virtual Chemistry
Watson, Sandy White
Science Teacher, v87 n2 p25-30 Sep 2019
Educational researchers have long advocated for the integration of computer simulations (sims) in science courses, citing the positive effects these tools have on students' science conceptual comprehension (Develaki 2017; Hannafin, West, and Shepard 2009; Lamb et al. 2011). In fact, Liao (2007) investigated the learning differences between students taught with computer simulations and those taught with traditional instructional methods, and found that computer-simulated instruction had a greater positive impact on student learning than did traditional instruction. Conceptual computer simulations offer the following advantages: (1) Extend students' understandings of a concept by allowing them to modify variables and see immediate feedback (Hannel and Cuevas 2018); (2) Offer students practical experience in which they can apply their scientific knowledge outside of a laboratory setting (de Jong 2006); (3) Are interactive, allowing students to become immersed in an investigation resulting in greater learning gains (Kim 2006); and (4) Allow students to visualize and interact with invisible and/or abstract concepts such as molecular and atomic models, atomic bonding, etc. This article discusses a pH scale simulation created by PhET (Physics Educational Technology) Interactive Simulations at the University of Colorado Boulder (UCB) (Adams et al. 2008) as a means to extend students' pH/acid/base conceptual understandings.
National Science Teachers Association. 1840 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201-3000. Tel: 800-722-6782; Fax: 703-243-3924; e-mail: membership@nsta.org; Web site: http://www.nsta.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Colorado (Boulder)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A