Introducing a Culture of Modeling To Enhance Conceptual Understanding in High School Chemistry Courses

Abstract

Both the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the new AP Chemistry curriculum focus on a deeper understanding of content, as well as application of concepts within science classes. A well accepted research-based method for improving student understanding and the ability to apply many of the abstract concepts presented in chemistry is through the use of conceptual modeling. The lesson detailed is intended to be used in pre-AP chemistry classes at onset of the course to introduce students to ideas and vocabulary related to conceptual models and modeling so that by the time the student reaches the AP course the process of modeling would be a routine skill. This lesson involves the use of a pretest to gauge student understanding of and misconceptions about modeling, an activity to introduce vocabulary surrounding models and allow students the opportunity to create and assess a conceptual model, and a post-test to evaluate student growth in understanding the modeling practice.