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Metaphorical Models in Chemistry

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Nalini Bhushan and Stuart Rosenfeld

Departments of Philosophy and Chemistry, Smith College, Northampton, MA 01063

J. Chem. Educ., 1995, 72 (7), p 578

DOI: 10.1021/ed072p578

Publication Date: July 1995

Abstract

Others have said that metaphors are pervasive in, and indispensable to, scientific practice. If one accepts this claim, it is important to ask what the consequences might be of failing to recognize that a given scientific assertion, or scientific model, is metaphorical rather than literal. Following a discussion of the relationship between metaphors and models, we pursue this point in the discipline of chemistry and ask what happens when students of chemistry fail to recognize the metaphorical status of certain models and interpret them literally. How does this affect their conception of chemical phenomena? We examine three cases to show where conceptions might differ and why it is imperative that we care about how these differences are generated. We conclude with general implications for teaching.

Keywords (Audience):

High School / Introductory Chemistry

Keywords (Domain):

Chemical Education Research

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Analogies / Transfer

Keywords (Subject):

Learning Theories

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Citing Articles

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This article has been cited by 5 ACS Journal articles (5 most recent appear below).

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  Journal of Chemical Education2003 80 (8), 880
  Examines the role that metaphors play in science and its explanations of the universe.
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links
A three-dimensional model for water
J. L. H. Johnson and S. H. Yalkowsky , Ed Vitz
Journal of Chemical Education2002 79 (9), 1088
- A three-dimensional model for water
  J. L. H. Johnson and S. H. Yalkowsky , Ed Vitz
  Journal of Chemical Education2002 79 (9), 1088
  A three-dimensional model of the water molecule was developed for the purpose of simulating some of the properties of water and ice. Four cylindrical dipole magnets were inserted and secured into small spheres at angles of 109.5° from each other. The ...
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Editor's Note about "A three-dimensional model for water" by J. L. H. Johnson and S. H. Yalkowsky
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Journal of Chemical Education2002 79 (9), 1091
- Editor's Note about "A three-dimensional model for water" by J. L. H. Johnson and S. H. Yalkowsky
  Ed Vitz
  Journal of Chemical Education2002 79 (9), 1091
  This article extends Johnson and Yalkowsky's use of models to demonstrate properties of water. Vitz discusses the hydrophobic effect where nonpolar substances are exsolved from water to form two distinct layers. Observed endothermic properties of this ...
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links
Philosophy of Chemistry—A New Interdisciplinary Field?
Eric R. Scerri
Journal of Chemical Education2000 77 (4), 522
- Philosophy of Chemistry—A New Interdisciplinary Field?
  Eric R. Scerri
  Journal of Chemical Education2000 77 (4), 522
  Chemistry and philosophy, which may seem to be very different disciplines, have recently undergone a rapprochement with the rebirth of philosophy of chemistry. This article discusses recent developments in this new interdisciplinary field, including work ...
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Science on Wheels: A Coherent Link Between Educational Perspectives
Juan López-Garriga , Yldefonso Muñoz-Sola , Yolanda Echevarría and William Nazario
Journal of Chemical Education1997 74 (11), 1346
- Science on Wheels: A Coherent Link Between Educational Perspectives
  Juan López-Garriga , Yldefonso Muñoz-Sola , Yolanda Echevarría and William Nazario
  Journal of Chemical Education1997 74 (11), 1346
  We have developed a Science on Wheels Program focusing on precollege students and teachers. This Program, the only one of its kind in Puerto Rico, is unique in the Nation since it is geared towards the almost 100% Hispanic population on the Island. ...
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links