In chemistry, simulations at the level of the smallest particles are a widely used method for investigating chemical processes and material properties. Particle simulations can also be used to gain knowledge in chemistry lessons. They enable learners to gain insights into sub-microscopic processes that are beyond human perception. Including simulations in chemistry lessons also shows learners that such methods are a natural part of the subject of chemistry.

Details: https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6552/acf086 or https://doi.org/10.25926/c93g-xn66

Beyond the chemical content, dealing with the development or process of a simulation makes a contribution to an overarching topic that is described by the term computational thinking. This involves the acquisition of skills and abilities for the structured implementation of processes with the ultimate aim of being able to read and write computer codes. This can be used as a method or supporting framework to implement chemical content in simulations and thus to deal with this content in more depth in chemistry lessons.