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

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.