This study used an extensive set of visualization tools to support student learning. Visualization is central to science learning, from rough sketches of the relationships amongst molecules and atoms to diagrams in chemistry textbooks (Wu and Shah, 2004). Visualizations have been shown to improve modeling skills among all learners, especially those who are lower performing as compared to their peers (Dori and Kaberman, 2012; Kali and Linn, 2008). The custom‐designed visualizations used in the study included animated presentations and hands‐on model building activities that had been previously piloted in diverse schools and educational settings.