Mental models of secondary school students on atomic structure and chemical bonding J Hidayat1), H Firman, Y Sunarya, S Redjeki
Program Studi Pendidikan IPA Sekolah Pascasarjana Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia
Jl. Setiabudhi No. 229 Bandung 40154
Abstract
ABSTRACT. This research reports on students mental models on the concept of atomic structure and chemical bonds. The objectives of the study were to reveal the profile of mental models of students based on the level of academic ability, grade level and gender. The clinical interview technique conducted on 9 students determined by purposive sampling. The Participants consist of 3 students each grade X, XI and XII Science Program. The data obtained were processed qualitatively. The results showed that students representation of the concept of atoms and chemical bonds verbally differed from visual representations. Meanwhile the submicroscopic representation participants are likely to give the correct choice on the alternative answers provided by the researcher on the target mental model of the atomic structure and chemical bonding.
Keywords: representation of mental models, atomic structure, and chemical bonding.
