The goal of our project is to review research studies on students' understanding of chemical identity, with the intent to create a hypothetical learning progression based on underlying assumptions made by students at different educational stages. A comprehensive inventory of the alternative conceptions and mental models students use when thinking about chemical identity is being created, including, but not limited to, substance kinds, object vs. material, macroscopic vs. submicroscopic entities, etc. Papers being reviewed have targeted a diverse population of study participants in regard to age, educational background, culture and nationality. Papers are being analyzed using an open coding scheme in NVivo software, focusing attention on ideas held by large numbers of learners or ideas that are prevalent at various learning stages. The product of this work will form part of a larger learning progression on chemical design, which has the potential to aid in curriculum decisions.

Students' understanding of chemical identity: A comprehensive look

245th National Meeting (2013)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.