Prospective elementary school teachers' understanding of the particulate nature of matter
Abstract
The particulate nature of matter (PNM) is fundamental to understanding modern chemistry, and new national standards require that elementary students learn some of these ideas. However, research has shown elementary teachers are not comfortable teaching PNM. A conceptual change approach was applied to a chemistry course designed specifically for elementary education majors. A chemistry concept inventory, individual interviews, and surveys were used to conduct a three-year investigation of students' understanding of PNM and to investigate any changes in their understanding during the course. This study presents students' initial and final concepts of PNM and the conceptual changes that occurred during the course. Educational implications for promoting conceptual change that chemistry departments can take to prepare elementary teachers to become successful science teachers are also addressed.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Nakhleh, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Teacher education|Science education
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