Rationalising reasoning

By David Read2015-05-11T00:00:00

Source: © Shutterstock

Is contextualisation the best solution?

Trained chemists are required to have the skills and knowledge to make informed decisions in realistic contexts, which involve the integration of scientific knowledge with social, economic and environmental concepts. In this study, Cullipher et al characterised progress in the ability of students to integrate different types of knowledge in selecting the most appropriate fuel to power a go-kart for an amusement park.

David Read summarises and reviews the study.

Thanks for using Education in Chemistry. You can view one Education in Chemistry article per month as a visitor.

A photograph of a teacher standing in a white lab coat, speaking with a class of children in a laboratory, is superimposed on a colourful background. Text reads "Teach Chemistry means support for classroom and staff room".

Register for Teach Chemistry for free, unlimited access

Registration is open to all teachers and technicians at secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutions in the UK and Ireland.

Get all this, plus much more:

unlimited access to resources, core practical videos and Education in Chemistry articles
teacher well-being toolkit, personal development resources and online assessments
applications for funding to support your lessons

Set up your Teach Chemistry account

Already a Teach Chemistry member? Sign in now.

Not eligible for Teach Chemistry? Sign up for a personal account instead, or you can also access all our resources with Royal Society of Chemistry membership.