Collecting and measuring the volume of carbon dioxide in aqueous solution: An attempt at problem solving in the laboratory

Constantinos Kampourakis, Constantinos Th. Kotsis, Georgios Tsaparlis
(Secondary Education-1st Lyceum of Philippias, University of Ioannina-Department of Primary Education and Department of Chemistry)

Paper in National Conference proceedings

Greek

In this work, the researchers apply the teaching method of “problem-solving my means of experiments” in order to collect and measure the volume of gaseous carbon dioxide contained in a coca-cola bottle. This novel teaching method was applied to a group of seven 1st year undergraduate student of the Department of Primary Education, four of which had considerably less science background from secondary education. The instructional method required a lot of effort from both the instructor and the students. In the context of collaborative learning, the group tries to suggest an experimental solution that would give an answer to the problem. The group encounters many difficulties which are related to the following factors: very little previous laboratory experience, possession of declarative knowledge with very little concept understanding, lack of the concept of the particulate nature of matter. Despite the difficulties and the fact that the group does not manage to design the correct experimental apparatus, the overall method resulted in the creation of a positive attitude of the students towards science.
The element of active participation in the process of knowledge (social constructivism) seems to be crucial in creating a positive atmosphere. The overlap of theory, experiment and the scientific method seems to create a perspective of an improvement of the instructional methods in science teaching.

The document refers to a teaching method that aims at cultivating mental abilities of the higher order cognitive scale (HOCS). The development of these abilities is crucial for successful learning of science and chemistry in particular. Life long science learning requires the preservation of enthusiasm, interest and positive attitude towards science. The active involvement of the learner in social activities that enhance such critical thinking and abilities seems to be an important requirement for developing the ability of “learning to learn” and guarantee life long science learning.

http://www.uowm.gr/kodifeet/?q=el/node/207

Gekos Mihalis

T.E.I of Ionian Islands

Researcher