Chemical models are indispensable tool in chemistry class and enable secondary school pupils to develop
complex thought processes and spatial concepts, both of which are necessary to improve their understanding
of chemical concepts.
In this research, special emphasis is given to complex competencies not only their acquisition, but rather
how pupils develop them. For this purpose, a learning strategy has been developed, called learning by
self-generating chemical models. Pupils learn individually on their own models, which are made from
easily accessible, low-cost materials.
The impact of workable models was investigated (assembly of commercial models and production of selfmade
models) on the (1) learning success using simple molecule shapes and (2) the degree of competence
development which realized through the implemented activities. The study involved first-year secondary
school-pupils, defined as self-creators of paper- and -wire models (experimental group) and assemblers
of commercial models (called the control group). The appearance of the molecules being studied took
the form of geometric shapes and structures, which pupils present by making of ball-, called wire-models
from plasticine and wire or paper created, called paper models.
Based on the results of statistical processing of the data, we found that self-creation of models (as an
innovative approach) leads to better understanding and to subsequently sustained knowledge for the
pupil. It should also be noted that pupils who were self-generators in comparisons to those who merely
assembled the models, generally developed many complex skills in the areas of problem solving, practical
competence, mathematical competence and critical thinking skills. The knowledge so acquired was also
better understood.
Key words: chemical models, competencies, self-made models, teaching and learning by models.