Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Addressing Learning Gaps In Acid-Base Chemistry Using Novel Three-Dimensional Models With Learning Module, Gabrielle Marie Grimes

Theses and Dissertations

Teaching scientific concepts is very complex and includes the discussion and use of different models that support students’ understanding of particle-level interactions and behavior of chemical phenomena. The presented research describes the development of three-dimensional acid-base models and an accompanying learning module to support students’ understanding of the autoionization of water, acidic strength, pH, and Ka in aqueous acid-base chemistry. The model set includes acid and base models embedded with magnets and removable hydrogen atoms or hydroxide groups to model particle-level interactions. The magnetic models allow students to investigate particle-level processes with student-built models of aqueous acid and base systems. …