Abstract:

States of matter are the different forms that matter can take, such as solid, liquid, and gas. In Germany, states of matter are taught in secondary school as part of the basic concept of matter-particle relationships [1]. Students learn about the properties of each state of matter, the differences between them, and how they interact with each other. They also learn about the particle theory of matter, which explains how the particles of a substance interact to form the different states of matter. Additionally, students learn about the different phases of matter, such as the solid, liquid, and gaseous phases, mostly using water as an example. Finally, they learn to link phenomena of the everyday world with their knowledge of substances, their properties, transformations and possible uses with the model representations at the particle theory of matter.
In this study, it is assumed that secondary school students are able to associate everyday objects and particles with the states of matter. Therefore, the participants were given various everyday objects as photos on cards which they were supposed to associate with the terms solid, liquid, and gaseous. At the same time, cards with terms were given to name the photos, and three augmented reality trigger images were given as cards behind which each represented one of the states of matter on the particle level. Whether our hypothesis is correct and which phenomena or particle levels cause problems with the assignment, as well as whether the age of the participants has an influence on these findings, will be shown by the eye-tracking study conducted in July 2022. A randomized sample of 23 secondary school students from various schools and age groups in Germany participated in the study. The eye-tracking data can be analyzed in relation to the Areas of Interest, the cards, and the spoken word. The study provides initial insights into the link between phenomena regarding states of matter and the participants' knowledge of material properties, material transformations, and uses with the model representations at the particle level.

References:
[1] KMK (Kultusminister Konferenz), Standards of Education in Chemistry for General University Entrance Qualification [Bildungsstandards im Fach Chemie für die Allgemeine Hochschulreife]. Williams Lea & Tag GmbH, München, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.kmk.org/themen/qualitaetssicherung-in-schulen/bildungsstandards.html#c5033

Keywords:

Chemistry, phenomena, state of matter, matter-particle relationships, eye-tracking.