The importance of symbology in Chemistry teaching and its correlations with macroscopic and molecular aspects

• Autor(a) principal: Piai Cedran, Débora
• Data de Publicação: 2018
• Outros Autores: Costa Cedran, Jaime, Kiouranis, Neide Maria Michellan
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: por
• Título da fonte: Revista de Ensino de Ciências e Matemática - REnCiMa
• Texto Completo: https://revistapos.cruzeirodosul.edu.br/rencima/article/view/1342
• topic: Triângulo de Johnstone; Símbolos; Aprendizagem; Johnstone’s triangle; Symbols; Learning

Symbology in chemistry is one of the most important themes in the study of this science, as subatomic phenomena are translated through it, enabling it to be considered a mediator in the understanding of diverse macroscopic and molecular concepts. Despite its relevance, research reveals that students have difficulties with this theme, which can hinder the understanding of chemistry concepts. This study aims to identify if 72 Paraná state public university general chemistry students understood a number of symbols that are widely used in chemistry, and their meanings in diverse circumstances, by means of representations/models. Based on the collected data, the intention was to reflect on the models of the students for such entities, verifying especially if the students understood the symbols by themselves, and if they were able to relate them to their theoretical and empirical aspects. Analysis indicated that the students managed to identify some symbols, but had difficulties representing them, which demonstrates the necessity of greater reflection on the importance of symbology and discussions that refer to the integration of three aspects of chemistry knowledge: macroscopic, symbolic and molecular.