Effects of using the Particle Model Consistently for Dissolution Learning in Elementary Science

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate how the particle model facilitates students' learning of the topic of dissolution in elementary school science lessons. A total of 133 students were divided into three groups that were referred to as the PMC, PMP and NSC groups. The PMC group consisted of 25 students who were taught using the particle model consistently, the PMP group consisted of 46 students who were taught using the particle model part of the time,and the NSC group consisted of 62 students in a normal science class. Students studied the topic of dissolution for one month, and their understanding was evaluated by using a pre-test and apost-test. As a result of this research, the following two points became clear: 1. Students in the PMC and PMP groups were able to explain the text-level questions more effectively than students in the NSC group. 2. Students in the PMC group were able to explain the advanced-level questions more effectively than students in the other two groups.