Visualizing Chemical Concepts at the Particulate Level

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of computer animations that simulate laboratory experiments at the microscopic level in general chemistry. The experimental group did simulation activities that focused on the microscopic level, while the control group did simulation activities at the macroscopic level. Three variables were measured in this study: ability to visualize atomic and molecular behaviors, conceptual understanding and attitudes towards activities. Results showed that dynamic simulations at the microscopic level helped students visualize chemistry representations involving molecular motions.