Curriculum Expectations | Background Information | Common Misconceptions | Lesson Ideas | Teaching ideas and Resources| Assessment | Foundation of Professional Practice | Societal Implications and Applications | Glossary | Creative Piece | References
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
Empty space between particles
Student think that there has to be something in the space between particles. They have difficulty accepting the notion of an empty space. Student hold the view that any “empty” space must contain dust, air and other gases. student will learn from this video that majority of the space is actually just empty space.
Atoms can be seen with a microscope
Atoms cannot be seen with a microscope. The extent of an atom’s small size is often not well understood. This video helps student realize that atoms can not be seen with a microscope.
VSEPR(Valence shell electron pair repulsion)
Students find it difficult to think in three dimensions. Often, they believe that a square planar arrangement is the best arrangement for least repulsion of four points. Have students work with ball and stick models so they can visualize the structure.