Group Puzzle for Chemistry Class

Objective: This worksheet uses the cooperative learning method known as the “group puzzle” to teach complex concepts in chemistry and atomic physics. The goal is for students to gain a deep understanding of the selected topic through self-directed learning and peer teaching.

Content and Methods: The content is taught using a structured five-phase model that combines cooperative and independent learning: In home groups, each member takes on a specific subtopic, which is then explored in a subsequent “expert phase” in groups of students with the same subtopic, using informational texts and in-depth tasks. Afterward, the students return to their core groups, share their knowledge with one another, and consolidate their findings together before moving on to a cooperative work phase in which they solve complex tasks that can only be mastered by combining all the individual aspects. The process concludes with a joint evaluation in a plenary session and a reflection on the learning process.

Competencies:

• Subject-Specific Competence: Acquiring in-depth knowledge of a topic in chemistry
• Social Competence: Fostering teamwork and communication skills through the “expert” model
• Methodological Competence: Applying cooperative learning methods to independently process information and convey knowledge
• Transferability: Applying expert knowledge to hypothetical scenarios, such as the discovery of new elements

Target Audience and Level: High School