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Connection of chemical and mathematical skills

Publication

Abstract

Research of using mathematical principles in chemistry is leading us to creation of materials and resources that will support this interdisciplinary approach to education. The effectiveness of created materials is verified in secondary schools.

The interviews with the teachers of chemistry and mathematics and an extensive testing were the sources for the ideas for the created materials. Problematic areas and tasks with interdisciplinary elements in chemistry, mathematics and science were selected based on the results of the study of knowledge and skills of high-school students.

The study was based on extensive testing in 2014-2016. Students have got the most difficulties applying algebraic calculations in chemistry, using proportions, solving equations, expressing the unknown, the spatial imagination, geometry and stereometry and the resulting arrangement of atoms and shapes of molecules, chemical analytical tasks with logical thinking, interpretation of information from graphs and tables, plotting measured values into graphs and statistical evaluation.

The functional analysis emphasizes extensive background of chemistry for the developaycament of theoretical mathematical skills.