National Center for Learning & Teaching (NCLT)

Student Understanding of Surface-Area-to-Volume Ratio

This study explores students' understanding of the concept surface-area-to-volume ratio in the nano-science engineering context.

Light, G., Swarat, S., Park, E.J. & Drane, D. (2008). Student understanding of surface area to volume ratio and its relationship to property change in the nanoscience engineering context. Proceedings of the Research in Engineering Education Symposium, July 7-10, Davos, Switzerland.

Swarat, S., Light, G., Park, E-J., & Drane, D. (2009). Unpacking student conceptions of surface area to volume ratio in the nanoscience context: An empirical application of the construct-centered design framework. Proceedings of the 2009 Research in Engineering Education Symposium, July 20-23,Queensland, Australia.

Student Understanding of Surface-Area-to-Volume Ratio

Recent studies have identified the concept surface-area-to-volume ratio (SA/V) as one of the "big ideas" central to the understanding of nanoscale science and technology. Indeed, SA/V is a prerequisite to understanding size-dependent properties, behaviors, and changes that are the core of nanoscience. Previous studies have found that students tend to have difficulty truly understanding SA/V beyond its mathematical equation. This study investigates how students understand the concept in the nanoscience engineering context, as well as the connection between the concept and property change.