مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - AN ANALYSIS OF SCIENCE STUDENTS’ MENTAL MODELS OF ACIDS AND BASES

Abstract :

This study aims to examine science education program students’ mental models regarding the concepts of acid and base. The study was conducted with the participation of 75 students attending the first year of a Science Education program. Students were asked to draw their mental images concerning the concepts of acid and base, and then explain their drawings in writing. Written descriptions and drawings of the students were than analyzed using descriptive analysis. A total of six mental models were identified: acid; base; strong acid and weak acid; strong base and weak base; designing experiments on the concepts of acid and base; and acids and bases in daily life. It was found that students’ mental models regarding the concepts of acid and base were satisfactory on the whole, but somewhat limited when it comes to giving examples of acids and bases, designing experiments, and acids and bases in daily life. Acids and bases are among the major topics covered in science and chemistry classes at all levels of education from primary school to college. It is recommended that daily life activities should be emphasized in the teaching of acids and bases because acids and bases are frequently encountered in daily life, and experiments should make use of acid and base examples from daily life in addition to the chemicals in the laboratory.