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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2007  > October  >
Research: Science and Education
"Holes" in Student Understanding: Addressing Prevalent Misconceptions Regarding Atmospheric Environmental Chemistry
Sara C. Kerr
Environmental Chemistry and Technology Program, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706

Kenneth A. Walz
Department of Chemistry, Madison Area Technical College, Madison, WI 53704

Cover
October 2007
Vol. 84 No. 10
p. 1693
Abstract
There is a misconception among undergraduate students that global warming is caused by holes in the ozone layer. In this study, we evaluated the presence of this and other misconceptions surrounding atmospheric chemistry that are responsible for the entanglement of the greenhouse effect and the ozone hole in students' conceptual frameworks. We then designed a series of computer-based online data-analysis exercises to address this shortcoming and measured the effectiveness of these instructional materials in a first-year general chemistry class. Based on pre- and post-activity assessments, students demonstrated a moderate improvement in their conceptual understanding from the online exercises alone, and student performance was greatly enhanced when the online exercises were supported with both lecture and small-group discussion activities. The integration of individual online learning and data analysis with these more traditional methods of instruction allowed students to address their prior misconceptions and ultimately construct a more scientifically accurate understanding of atmospheric environmental chemistry.
Supplement
All materials for the data-analysis exercises are available.
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Contents
  JCE2007p1693W.pdf
 
JCE2007p1693W.zip
Folder JCE2007p1693W containing 9 document files (Microsoft Word) and one html file.
More Information
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Citation
Kerr, Sara C.; Walz, Kenneth A. J. Chem. Educ. 2007, 84, 1693.
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Keywords
Atmospheric Chemistry; Computer-Based Learning; Environmental Chemistry; First-Year Undergraduate / General; Misconceptions / Discrepant Events; Student-Centered Learning
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
8/20/2007
9/7/2007
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