Based on a comprehensive review of the K-16 literature, we developed and implemented an interview protocol to explore college chemistry students' understanding of solution phenomena. We were specifically targeting the phenomena of identity (what is in solution), concentration (how much is present, relative to the total amount), and reaction (what happens when new substances are formed). Students were presented with chemical phenomena that elicit qualitative understandings and are asked to describe what they see. Data from these interviews were used to develop three sets of Minstrell-style facet clusters related to solutions phenomena: identity, concentration, and reaction. This approach to facet clusters is unique in that the development is driven by and grounded in student data rather than an expert thought experiment. We will present our method for developing the facets from interview data and an example of the use of the facet clusters to describe a student's understanding.

Using a grounded approach to develop facet clusters for solutions chemistry

245th National Meeting (2013)

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