An interactive computer simulation was created to enhance
students’ conceptual understanding of hydrogen bonding in
water. In a second-semester general chemistry course, 116
participants were categorized with respect to their levels of
prior knowledge (PK) of the chemistry phenomena before
they interacted with the simulation. This mixed-method study
examined the effectiveness of the simulation upon their content
knowledge (PK), pre-and post-intervention mental models
(MM), and their perceptions. ANOVA Repeated Measures
revealed that the simulation helped students improve their
MMs (increased number of scientific conceptions) and reduce
their misconceptions at both the observable (macroscopic) and
molecular (submicroscopic) levels. Regardless of their PK
level (low-, mid-, high-), there were no differences in their
pre-to-post MM gains. Perceptions towards the simulation
were positive for most students. These findings suggest that
a well-designed simulation can reduce cognitive load while
enhancing meaningful conceptual understanding (i.e. mental
models).