• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.529-540
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• 2011

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 under stand the scientific concepts for the rules of material change unit.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.303-314
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to understand the experiment for measuring chemical reaction rate by precipitate formation and to develop experiments applying small-scale chemistry. For this study, the experimental method for measuring the effect of concentration and temperature on chemical reaction rates presented in the 10 high school science textbooks were classified by their experimental methods of confirming production. Subsequently, problems observed in carrying out the experiments for measuring chemical reaction rates by precipitate formation frequently presented in the 10 high school science textbooks were analyzed. Experiments applying small-scale chemistry were developed measuring chemical reaction rate by precipitate formation. According to the result of this study, there were some problems in the experimental method of precipitate formation for measuring chemical reaction rates presented in the high school science textbooks. Those problems in the science textbook experiments were insufficient specification of mixing methods of reaction solutions, obscurity of knowing when the character letter X disappeared, time delay in collecting the experimental data, formation of hazardous sulfur dioxide, uneasiness of fixing water bath container, controlling the reaction temperature, and low reproducibility. Those problems were solved by developing experiments applying smallscale chemistry. Presenting the procedure of mixing reaction solutions on the A4 reaction paper sheet made the experimental procedure clearly, using well plates and stem pipette shortened the reaction time and made it possible to continuously collect the experimental data. Furthermore, the quantity of hazardous sulfur dioxide was reduced 1/7 times and the time when the character letter X disappeared could be observed clearly. Since experiments for measuring the effect of concentration and temperature on chemical reaction rates could be performed in 30 minutes, the developing experiments applying SSC would help students understand the scientific concepts on the effect of concentration and temperature on chemical reaction rates with enough time for experimental data analysis and discussion.