Improve graph skills for chemistry

An illustration showing a graph plotting temperature decreases on thermometers

Source: Adapted from © Getty Images

A diagnostic exercise, practical and worksheet to assess and boost students’ grasp of graphing

Chemistry teachers know that graphical representations are essential in their subject and that conceiving abstract graphs as mathematical objects is necessary to manipulate chemical graphs and laws. So, it goes without saying that chemistry students need to master this area of study. Novice chemists often perceive graphs as pictures and representations, rather than mathematical objects they can manipulate. Expert chemists, on the other hand, know how to navigate between the universal and the particular.

Use this diagnostic exercise to assess students’ grasp of graphing, relate these ideas to simple chemical laws and decide whether more class time should be devoted to these particular skills.

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