@inproceedings{9c0b7d30af5d46398e99ba38d7c4ba7a,
title = "Understanding undergraduate students' conceptions of a core nanoscience concept: Size and scale",
abstract = "The rapidly growing field of nanoscience and nanotechnology calls for the inclusion of general nano-education in our educational agenda. Student understanding of one of the key concepts in nanoscience, size and scale, serves as a prerequisite for students' learning of more advanced nanoscale science and technology. This paper presents the findings of a small-scale qualitative study with students studying nanoscale science aimed at exploring the ways they understand the idea of {"}size and scale{"}. Results suggest wide variation in the way students understand this concept. The study identifies a preliminary typology of student conceptions of size and scale as it relates to macro and sub-macro phenomena along three key dimensions. In addition, the research identified a critical paradigmatic experience which appears to play a role in hindering the development of more complex and sophisticated understanding at each level of conception.",
keywords = "Conceptual understanding, Nanoscience, Science education, Size and scale",
author = "Gregory Light and Su Swarat and Park, {Eun Jung} and Denise Drane and Emma Tevaarwerk and Tom Mason",
year = "2007",
month = dec,
day = "28",
language = "English",
isbn = "0878231935",
series = "Proceedings of the Inaugural International Conference on Research in Engineering Education, ICREE",
booktitle = "Proceedings of the Inaugural International Conference on Research in Engineering Education, ICREE",
note = "Inaugural International Conference on Research in Engineering Education, ICREE ; Conference date: 24-06-2007 Through 27-06-2007",
}