The use of simple experimental activities for the teaching of molecular geometry: the case of the pedagogical boxes

Abstract

This work shows some results of a degree thesis of the Teaching Career of Natural Sciences at the UNED of Costa Rica, on the analysis of Simple Experimental Activities (SEA) as a strategy for teaching molecular geometry in the subject of Chemistry at the secondary education level, from the logic of the Extended Laboratory Model (ELM) using an SEA called Pedagogical Boxes. The strategy was applied to 32 tenth-grade students from Liceo Experimental Bilingüe de Palmares, their appreciations were extracted through a checklist and a Likert-type questionnaire after developing the SEA proposal. The results showed encouraging data where the students recognized a gain in learning when they study molecular geometry with the Pedagogical Boxes. The improvement of the ability to understand the subject, the promotion of the experimental component, the development of cognitive skills and the development of sensorimotor procedures were highlighted. In conclusion, the proposal represents an adequate strategy for approaching the subject and a resource that enhances the learning processes in students