Resumen de Promoting Student Development of Models and Scientific Inquiry Skills in Acid–Base Chemistry: An Important Skill Development in Preparation for AP Chemistry
In this study, two groups of 11th grade chemistry students (n = 210) performed a sequence of hands-on and virtual laboratories that were progressively more inquiry-based. One-half of the students did the laboratory sequence with the addition of a teacher-led discussion connecting student data to student-generated visual representations of different acid–base models (Arrehenius and Brønsted–Lowry). Students were assessed for perceptions about their learning as well as their understanding of acid–base models. The results showed improvement in 79% of the students in understanding acid–base chemistry following the inquiry laboratories as well as improved mental models explaining acid–base chemistry in 72% of the students. The students also responded favorably to the addition of virtual laboratories, with 77% reporting improved understanding of the chemistry as a result of the addition of the technology.
