Content Analysis of the Discussion of the Atom in General Chemistry Textbooks Using Evaluation Criteria Based on the Nature of Science and Philosophy of Chemistry

  • Angelo Julian E. Perez Science Department, Senior High School – IB Diploma Program, Xavier School, San Juan City
  • Armando, Jr. M. Guidote Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Engineering, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City
  • Gilbert U. Yu Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Engineering, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City
  • Michael Ner E. Mariano Department of Philosophy, School of Humanities, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26534/kimika.v27i2.50-62
Keywords: History and Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Chemistry, Nature of Science, Chemistry Education, Textbook Analysis, General Chemistry

Abstract

Evaluation criteria are adapted from previous textbook analyses on the nature of science (NOS) in general chemistry textbooks. These criteria are used to determine how certain NOS dimensions are mentioned and elaborated in those textbooks. Such dimensions emphasize that chemistry is (1) tentative, (2) empirical, (3) model-based, (4) inferential, (5) has technological products, (6) employs instrumentation, and (7) possesses social and societal dimensions. Three book chapters were read and evaluated: the first (on chemistry in general); the second (on atomic structure); and the sixth or seventh chapters (on the electronic structure of atoms). The relevant content in each textbook were rated using the following rubric: Satisfactory and Explicit (S, 2 points); Mention and Implicit (M, 1 point); and No Mention (N, 0 point). Silberberg (2009) has the highest score among the six textbooks with 12 points out of the maximum of 14. It was rated S for five criteria, the most among the six textbooks. Despite the presence of some N evaluations, all textbooks have mentioned some or all of the NOS dimensions formulated, resulting to M and S ratings. This study concludes that NOS dimensions are already present in various ways and varying degrees in each textbook.
Published
2017-02-08
How to Cite
Perez, A. J. E., Guidote, A. J. M., Yu, G. U., & Mariano, M. N. E. (2017). Content Analysis of the Discussion of the Atom in General Chemistry Textbooks Using Evaluation Criteria Based on the Nature of Science and Philosophy of Chemistry. KIMIKA, 27(2), 50-62. https://doi.org/10.26534/kimika.v27i2.50-62
Issue
Vol. 27 No. 2 (2016)
Section
Research Articles

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