Prospective elementary school teachers\u27 understanding of the particulate nature of matter

The particulate nature of matter (PNM) is fundamental to understanding modern chemistry, and new national standards require that elementary students learn some of these ideas. However, research has shown elementary teachers are not comfortable teaching PNM. A conceptual change approach was applied to a chemistry course designed specifically for elementary education majors. A chemistry concept inventory, individual interviews, and surveys were used to conduct a three-year investigation of students\u27 understanding of PNM and to investigate any changes in their understanding during the course. This study presents students\u27 initial and final concepts of PNM and the conceptual changes that occurred during the course. Educational implications for promoting conceptual change that chemistry departments can take to prepare elementary teachers to become successful science teachers are also addressed