Analysis of Experiments for the Rules of Material Change Unit in 9th Grade Science Textbooks and the Development of Experiments Applying Small-Scale Chemistry

摘要

The purpose of this study was to analyze experiments for the rules of material change unit in 9th grade science textbooks and develop experiments applying small-scale chemistry (SSC). For this study, experimental methods for the precipitation experiment, water electrolysis experiment, decomposition of hydrogen peroxide experiment presented in the 9 science textbooks were analyzed. Problems and improvements that were needed were extracted by 13 science teachers performing the experiments. Experiments applying SSC were developed based on the improvements needed. Afterwards, 19 pre-service science teachers performed both the developed SSC experiments and the science textbooks' experiments. A questionnaire about merits and demerits of the experiments applying SSC was performed. According to the results of this study, most of the 9th grade science textbooks included the lead iodide precipitation experiment, water electrolysis experiment by Hoffman voltameter, and decomposition of hydrogen peroxide experiment using catalytic manganese dioxide. Improvements were needed on the quantity of reagents, time for performing experiments, and scale of experimental apparatus. Merits of the developed experiments applying SSC which used small amount of reagents were safety, easy waste material disposal, short reaction time, and reproducible experimental results. Demerits of the experiments applying SSC were difficulty in observing, decreased achievement, and lack of skill in handling small-scale apparatus. Therefore, if the experiments developed applying SSC were to be utilized in 9th grade science experiments, it will be possible to use less reagent and be able to teach and carry out reproducible experiments at the same time. Also, the reproducible experiments based on SSC will help students understand the scientific concepts for the rules of material change unit.