The area near the electrode surface is called the diffusion layer, and to understand electrochemistry, it is crucial that students have a knowledge of the phenomena occurring at the diffusion layer. Here, we present a demonstration and activity to visualize and analyze the expansion of a micrometer-sized diffusion layer. The electrode process…

One of the topics that chemistry teachers have a great challenge introducing is chemical equilibrium. When being introduced to chemical equilibrium, many students have difficulties in understanding that some reactions do not go to completion, as this contrasts most of their supposed prior experiences in chemistry lessons. Students may also…

Focuses on difficulties students have in reading images and understanding a particular domain; e.g., optics and color. Concentrates on the extent to which teachers were conscious of such difficulties and what they suggested doing to avoid possible pitfalls. (Author/MM)

Compares the results of four studies made under the auspices of the Science Teacher Training in an Information Society (STTIS) project researching the difficulties students have in reading images. The studies are compared under such categories as pre-eminence of narrative readings, real-world versus symbolic elements, verbal elements, and…