| Research
into students' understanding in this area of science reveals
that students have difficulty understanding events that take
place in the material world, such as condensation appearing
on a cold object or what physical and chemical changes are
happening in a lighted candle. In addition, many students
do not have a good grasp of the particle model and cannot
use it to explain phenomena such as melting and boiling. For
example, one common difficulty in understanding is that particles
are seen as being in a substance, like peas in water, rather
than being the substance itself. Research also suggests that traditional
teaching approaches do not address some of these
difficulties in understanding and may inadvertently reinforce
student misconceptions.
Stuff & Substance
seeks to address the ideas that seem to present particular
difficulties for students, and to consider the associated
issues not commonly considered in a traditional teaching
approach. The particle model used to develop the concept
of a substance is innovative in that it distinguishes between
substances and includes a representation of the forces between
particles.
The CD-ROM uses video, animations and simulations to present
observable phenomena and the related particle
explanations. There are questions and interactive activities
to encourage students to engage actively with the ideas.
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