Some pupils think that particles possess the same properties as the materials they compose
Properties of Matter
Misconception
For example, atoms of copper are "orange and shiny," gas molecules are "transparent," and solid molecules are "Hard".
Many younger pupils attributed macroscopic behaviours to microscopic particles (e.g. "ice particles melted").
A lot of young pupils attribute colour to the atom and this may extend to taste and smell.
Diagnostic Resources
The following worksheets may help to identify whether students hold this particular misconception.
For more information, see the University of York BEST website.
References
- Othman, J., Treagust, D. F. and Chandrasegaran, A. L., () An Investigation into the Relationship between Students' Conceptions of the Particulate Nature of Matter and their Understanding of Chemical Bonding, International Journal of Science Education, 30 (11)
1531-1550.
- Nakhleh, M. B. and Samarapungavan, A., () Elementary School Children's Beliefs about Matter, Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 36 (7)
777-805.
- Okhee, D. L. et al., () Changing Middle School Students’ Conceptions of Matter and Molecules, Journal of research in science teaching, 30 (3)
249-270.
- Allan, H. G. and Treagust, D. F., () Secondary Students’ Mental Models of Atoms and Molecules: Implications for Teaching Chemistry, Science Education, 80 (5) John Wiley & Sons, Inc.,
509-534.
- Boz, Y. () Turkish Pupils' Conceptions of the Particulate Nature of Matter, Journal of Science Education, 15 (2)
203-213.
- Özmen, H. and Kenan, O., () Determination of the Turkish Primary Students' Views about the Particulate Nature of Matter, Asia-Pacific Forum on Science Learning and Teaching, 8 (1)
- Talanquer, V., () On Cognitive Constraints and Learning Progressions: The case of ''structure of matter'', International Journal of Science Education, 31 (15)
2123-2136.
- Albanese, A. and Vicentini, M., () Why Do We Believe that an Atom is Colourless? Reflections about the Teaching of the Particle Model, Science & Education, 6,
251-261.
- Nakhleh, M. B. and Samarapungavan, A., () Elementary School Children's Beliefs about Matter, Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 36 (7)
777-805.
- Andersson, B., () Pupils' Conceptions of Matter and its Transformations (age 12-16), Studies in Science Education, 18,
53-85.
- Benson, D. L., Wittrock, M. C. and Baur, M. E., () Students' Preconceptions of the Nature of Gases, Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 30 (6)
587-597.