Learning Chemistry through a multilevel puzzle)

Abstract

We present in this paper a funny way to obtain the learning of main chemical concepts. We propose a different but enjoyable method of teaching Chemistry designated ‘‘scientific puzzle’’, as a consolidation or synthesis activity for learning fundamental chemical concepts. This resource consists in deducing concepts from small definitions and problems, whose answers should be placed in a giant puzzle. We can apply this innovative resource with only a concept or with different concepts. ‘‘Scientific puzzle’’ presents a lot of advantages: students’ motivation increases, we can work all the concepts of the unit with only one activity, we can connect contents and adapt definitions to different levels of difficulty. Also, the presentation of concepts as definitions makes easy rote learning, while small numerical questions contribute to the significant learning and the development of logical thinking. The results show that teaching methods like the ‘‘scientific puzzle’’ have potential to improve students’ attitude towards science.