Characterizing Chemistry Practices: How Teachers Design and Perform Chemistry Experiments

Abstract

This study aims to characterize the complicated nature of science practices in an open-ended inquiry chemistry lab in which students participate in group work. In this study, the complicated nature of science practices is framed and traced by drawing on the notion of “science as a mangle of practice.” From this notion, the dialectical relationship between human and non-human agency constitutes science through the dynamic process of resistance and accommodation. Tackling these dialectical agencies may allow us to effectively capture a snapshot of students’ lab activities and science practices. Methodologically, the study demonstrates how the combined use of social network analysis and discourse analysis may provide insight into the complicated nature of this mangled science practice. The study also explores the advantages of using a 360 VR camera, providing an immersive view while reducing blind spots.