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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2000  > July  >
Research: Science and Education
Simulations for Teaching Chemical Equilibrium
Penelope A. Huddle and Margie W. White
Department of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, P O Wits, 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa

Fiona Rogers
St. Mary's School for Girls, Waverley, Johannesburg, South Africa

Cover
July 2000
Vol. 77 No. 7
p. 920

Abstract
This paper outlines a systematic approach to teaching chemical equilibrium using simulation experiments that address most known alternate conceptions in the topic. Graphs drawn using the data from the simulations are identical to those obtained using real experimental data for reactions that go to equilibrium. This allows easy mapping of the analogy to the target. The requirements for the simulations are simple and inexpensive, making them accessible to even the poorest schools. The simulations can be adapted for all levels, from pupils who are first encountering equilibrium through students in tertiary education to qualified teachers who have experienced difficulty in teaching the topic. The simulations were piloted on four very different audiences. Minor modifications were then made before the Equilibrium Games as reported in this paper were tested on three groups of subjects: a Grade 12 class, college students, and university Chemistry I students. Marked improvements in understanding of the concept were shown in two of the three sets of subjects.
More Information
*  Citation
Huddle, Penelope Ann; White, Margaret Dawn; Rogers, Fiona. J. Chem. Educ. 2000 77 920.
*  Keywords
CER Misconceptions; Equilibrium; Teaching / Learning Aids; Teaching/Learning Theory/Practice
*  History
Created:
Last Updated:
June 2, 2000
April 15, 2005
  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2000 > July > Page 920


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