Which Forces Does Atom Feel? Embodied Experiences of Chemical Bonds With the ELI-Chem Learning Environment

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: Facilitating Learning With Gestures and Touch

Abstract

We developed and explored four increasing levels of embodied interaction – movie, mouse, joystick and haptic - to support chemistry students in grasping the attraction-repulsion forces and energy changes involved in chemical bonding. These topics are difficult to grasp as there are no analogs from everyday life for both attractions and repulsions happening simultaneously. Our theoretical framework is based on embodied learning theory by relating conceptual learning to bodily experiences. The study uses mixed methods with 48 high-school students in a pretest-intervention-posttest design. Quantitative findings show an increase in students' conceptual understanding in all levels of embodiment, with significant higher learning gain in the haptic condition. Qualitative findings show more scientific and detailed descriptions in the higher degrees of embodiment.

Authors

• Asnat R. Zohar, University of Haifa

• Sharona T. Levy, University of Haifa