Enhancing student conceptualization of a combustion chemical reaction using the tapioca bomb activity: An inquiry-based approach

Abstract

At the microscopic level, there are many concepts that appear too complicated to all grades of students; especially those concerning chemical reactions. Most students have difficulty in imagining things and understanding the relevant concepts. In science, activity-based learning is deemed an appropriate method to improve students' understanding of complicated concepts. The purpose of this study was to develop an inquiry-based learning unit on chemical reaction for grade eight students by using a newly developed activity called "Tapioca Bomb" for demonstrating concepts of chemical reaction. The students had opportunities to investigate by hands-on and mind-on activities. After observing the explosion in the Tapioca Bomb activity, the students were able to build their own concepts on chemical reaction and connect science learning to everyday life. The students could explain how and why the reaction occurred, and could apply their preliminary knowledge to design their own experiment. Finally, the teacher and students discussed what they had learned and applied the knowledge gained. The results on pre-test and post-test, concept map, students' documents, CLES questionnaire and interviews indicated that this learning unit helped students conceptualize the knowledge on combustion chemical reaction. © Common Ground, Wasana Keeratichamroen, Precharn Dechsri, Bhinyo Panijpan, Pintip Ruenwongsa.