Dynamic Computer Analogies and Conceptions of Chemical Equilibrium

A computer simulation program that utilizes a dynamic analogy to represent Le Chatelier's Principle was studied to investigate how the analogy contributed to students' conceptions of chemical equilibrium. 46 Grade 12 Chemistry students interacted with the simulation and participated in 3 assessments. Statistical analysis of pre and posttests suggested that students strongly held a misconception that the non-favored reaction rate decreases when the favored reaction rate increases and the dynamic analogy of a weigh scale had the potential to reinforce the misconception. Analysis of molecular drawings revealed notable patterns in how the motion, distribution and ratio of molecules are perceived. Other findings on conceptual gains and the analogy are discussed. The implication of this study for educators and developers is that dynamic analogies can assist students, but limitations of the analogy should be discussed and cues in the simulation could assist with mappings to the target domain.