In the past decade, we have witnessed the emergence of a large number of different computer-based animations and simulations that have the goal to foster better learning of different physics topics. Past studies have shown many benefits of animations and simulations, but for their efficient usage it is very important that teachers are well…

Student-generated drawings are known to be effective in building and revealing students' conceptions of chemistry. Some chemistry concepts, moreover, include changes and processes that cannot be merely represented by static drawings. Computer-based animations are needed to represent the dynamics. In this study, 25 chemistry student teachers, who…

Newton's third law of motion is probably one of the easiest and simplest laws in physics for students to recite. However, when they are given questions where they must apply the understanding of the law to solve a problem, it often becomes a challenge. They seem to forget about the fact that action and reaction are opposite and equal. In this…

This article draws on a one-semester study to investigate the effect of videos and 3D animations on students' conceptual understandings about basic computer units. A quasi-experimental design was carried out in two classrooms; videos and 3D animations were used in classroom activities in one group and those were used for homework in the other…

The College Board's recently revised curriculum for advanced placement (AP) chemistry places a strong emphasis on conceptual understanding, including representations of particle phenomena. This change in emphasis is informed by years of research showing that students could perform algorithmic calculations but not explain those calculations…