Pupils’ views on how stirring and temperature affect the dissolution of a solid in a liquid: a cross‐age study (12 to 18)

This study focusses on students’ views on how two external factors, stirring and an increase in temperature, affect the process of dissolution of a solid in a liquid. Drawings and written descriptions from students ranging in age from 12 to 18 have been collected. Four explanatory patterns that emerge from the students’ explanations have been defined. The problem of the interaction between ideas taught at school and those which have their origins in everyday experience has been analysed and the implications for teaching and learning are suggested.