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Simulating Science: The Impact of Computer Simulations on Middle School Chemistry Understanding

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Title: Simulating Science: The Impact of Computer Simulations on Middle School Chemistry Understanding
Language: English
Authors: Jerry Manases Coronado (ORCID 0009-0000-8973-4868), Cecilia Duenas (ORCID 0000-0003-3936-9270)
Source: International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology. 2025 13(6):1556-1567.
Availability: International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology. Necmettin Erbakan University, Ahmet Kelesoglu Education Faculty, Meram, Konya, 42090, Turkey. e-mail: ijermst@gmail.com; Web site: https://www.ijemst.net/index.php/ijemst/index
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 13
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Junior High Schools
Middle Schools
Secondary Education
Descriptors: Middle School Students, Computer Simulation, Science Instruction, Technology Uses in Education, Chemistry, Scientific Concepts, Concept Formation, Science Experiments, Program Effectiveness
Geographic Terms: California
ISSN: 2147-611X
Abstract: This study explored how using computer simulations helped 7th grade students improve their understanding of chemistry. At my school, many students are below grade-level in reading and math, which can make science more challenging. During a 3-week chemistry unit, I used simulations from Amplify and other online tools. These simulations allowed students to interact with virtual experiments like combining substances and observing what happens directly on the computer. Students in two classes took a test before and after the unit. After using the simulations, their scores increased, and they were able to explain scientific ideas more clearly in writing, including using and developing and using models. Instead of just naming atoms, students began to show how atoms rearrange and stay balanced during chemical reactions by creating models. This study shows that computer simulations make learning science more engaging and accessible, especially for schools that don't have full lab equipment. It also helps support Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) by giving students opportunities to build and test their own models. This kind of learning which is called model-based reasoning helps students better understand abstract science concepts in a meaningful way.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1491131
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Simulating Science: The Impact of Computer Simulations on Middle School Chemistry Understanding
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Jerry+Manases+Coronado%22">Jerry Manases Coronado</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8973-4868">0009-0000-8973-4868</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Cecilia+Duenas%22">Cecilia Duenas</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3936-9270">0000-0003-3936-9270</externalLink>)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22International+Journal+of+Education+in+Mathematics%2C+Science+and+Technology%22"><i>International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology</i></searchLink>. 2025 13(6):1556-1567.
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  Data: International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology. Necmettin Erbakan University, Ahmet Kelesoglu Education Faculty, Meram, Konya, 42090, Turkey. e-mail: ijermst@gmail.com; Web site: https://www.ijemst.net/index.php/ijemst/index
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  Data: 13
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Middle+School+Students%22">Middle School Students</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Computer+Simulation%22">Computer Simulation</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Science+Instruction%22">Science Instruction</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Technology+Uses+in+Education%22">Technology Uses in Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Chemistry%22">Chemistry</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Scientific+Concepts%22">Scientific Concepts</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Concept+Formation%22">Concept Formation</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Science+Experiments%22">Science Experiments</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Program+Effectiveness%22">Program Effectiveness</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22California%22">California</searchLink>
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  Data: 2147-611X
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  Data: This study explored how using computer simulations helped 7th grade students improve their understanding of chemistry. At my school, many students are below grade-level in reading and math, which can make science more challenging. During a 3-week chemistry unit, I used simulations from Amplify and other online tools. These simulations allowed students to interact with virtual experiments like combining substances and observing what happens directly on the computer. Students in two classes took a test before and after the unit. After using the simulations, their scores increased, and they were able to explain scientific ideas more clearly in writing, including using and developing and using models. Instead of just naming atoms, students began to show how atoms rearrange and stay balanced during chemical reactions by creating models. This study shows that computer simulations make learning science more engaging and accessible, especially for schools that don't have full lab equipment. It also helps support Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) by giving students opportunities to build and test their own models. This kind of learning which is called model-based reasoning helps students better understand abstract science concepts in a meaningful way.
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      – Text: English
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        StartPage: 1556
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      – SubjectFull: Middle School Students
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Computer Simulation
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      – SubjectFull: Science Instruction
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      – SubjectFull: Technology Uses in Education
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      – SubjectFull: Chemistry
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      – SubjectFull: Program Effectiveness
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      – SubjectFull: California
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