# Students' Understanding of Bonding and Bonding Models Across the Undergraduate Chemistry Curriculum: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

> **NSF 04002324DB NSF STEM Education** · Michigan State University (MI) · $299,187

## Abstract

This project aims to serve the national interest by providing an evidence base for improving undergraduate chemistry education in order to retain and better prepare STEM graduates. In particular, the research team intends to advance knowledge of how undergraduate chemistry students’ ideas related to bonding models develop across undergraduate chemistry courses. This work is important because understanding chemical bonding -- how and why interactions between atoms and molecules form -- is central to solving chemical problems and discovering new materials that can address societal needs. In this project, researchers will conduct problem solving interviews with college chemistry students in which the students are asked to use their knowledge of bonding models to predict and explain chemical behavior. Findings related to how students’ knowledge develops as they progress from introductory to more advanced courses will inform practices through which instructors may support deeper and more transferable knowledge related to bonding models. By identifying conditions under which improved student learning about bonding models occurs, the project will support the success and preparedness of undergraduate chemistry students graduating from U.S. institutions.

The goal of this project is to characterize the ways in which college chemistry students use knowledge about bonding models to predict and explain chemical phenomena within increasingly advanced course contexts. The studies in this

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2502642
- **Awardee organization:** Michigan State University (MI)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** R28EKN92ZTZ9
- **PI:** Nicole M Becker
- **Primary program:** 04002324DB NSF STEM Education
- **All programs:** Improv Undergrad STEM Ed(IUSE), EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES, UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
- **Estimated total:** $299,187
- **Funds obligated:** $299,187
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 07/01/2025 → 09/30/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2502642

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2502642, Students' Understanding of Bonding and Bonding Models Across the Undergraduate Chemistry Curriculum: A Cross-Sectional Analysis. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-09 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2502642. Licensed CC0.

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