Identifier

etd-07082014-154610

Degree

Master of Natural Sciences (MNS)

Department

Natural Sciences (Interdepartmental Program)

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of manipulatives on chemistry concepts. Manipulative activities were designed for four chemistry topics: Dimensional Analysis, Ionic Formulas, Molecular Shapes, and Stoichiometry. Seventy-five high school students were divided into a control or experimental group. The control group solved problems in small groups, while the experimental group used manipulatives to complete a guided activity. Students in the control group scored significantly higher on the posttest for the Dimensional Analysis and Ionic Formulas activities. There was no significant difference in the posttest scores for the Molecular Shapes and Stoichiometry posttest. While manipulatives can be an effective learning strategy to increase student achievement, it does not have the same effectiveness of peer collaboration in small groups.

Date

2014

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Secure the entire work for patent and/or proprietary purposes for a period of one year. Student has submitted appropriate documentation which states: During this period the copyright owner also agrees not to exercise her/his ownership rights, including public use in works, without prior authorization from LSU. At the end of the one year period, either we or LSU may request an automatic extension for one additional year. At the end of the one year secure period (or its extension, if such is requested), the work will be released for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Hopkins, John B

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.3974

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