Dissolution in Motion: Using Computational Physics to Enhance High School Science Learning

Computational physics remains largely absent from high school curricula despite its central role in modern science. This paper presents a student project from a high school Computational Physics course that models the dissolution of sodium chloride in water using classical mechanics and numerical simulations. Through a step-by-step scaffolded approach, students developed core skills in numerical methods, scientific programming, and physical modeling. The simulation integrates physics and chemistry by visualizing particle interactions at the microscopic level, allowing students to apply Newtonian mechanics, analyze velocity distributions, and observe solute-solvent interactions over time. Beyond deepening conceptual understanding, the activity cultivates computational thinking, interdisciplinary problem-solving, and a mindset of scientific inquiry. The pedagogy illustrates how authentic, research-inspired simulations can empower high school students to explore complex systems and offers a replicable model for integrating computational physics into pre-university STEM education.