Students Preconceptions Profile on Material Properties and Related Concepts
Desri Sofiani (a*), Ahmad Mudzakir (b), Hernani (b)

a) Science Education Department, School of Postgraduate, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudi No. 229, Bandung 40154, Indonesia
*desrisofiani[at]student.upi.edu
b) Chemistry Education Department, School of Postgraduate, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudi No. 229, Bandung 40154, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to investigate ninth grade students preconceptions about material properties and related concepts. A total of 20 students in a public school were enrolled in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interview which is consisted of 63 items related following concepts: particle of matter, classification of materials, material properties, structure of materials, relation between structure and properties of materials and the impact of materials use on health. Results showed that most of students had inadequate conceptions, specifically in the concepts of structure of materials and relation between structure and properties of materials. The authors suggest science learning that focused on the discussion of these concepts.

Keywords: material properties, preconception, semi-structured interview

Topic: Integrated Science Education