Methods of utilizing visualization and VR/AR technologies in the development of chemistry projects for 8th-grade students

Visualization is crucial in chemistry education, particularly in mastering eighth-grade students' fundamental concepts and shaping a scientific worldview. Modern visualization technologies improve students’ understanding and motivation. These technologies include 3D modeling, virtual (VR) and augmented reality (AR), animation, and interactive platforms. This study aims to explore effective methods for integrating these technologies into the development of chemistry learning projects. Special attention is paid to a comparative analysis of traditional and innovative methods of visualizing chemical phenomena, as well as to the evaluation of project-based learning in chemistry. A total of 120 eighth-grade students from Kazakhstani Secondary Schools, divided into the experimental and control groups, participated in a three-month study. During the pedagogical experiment, the experimental group received training integrating visualization and VR/AR technologies, while the control group received traditional training. This experiment consisted of three stages: preparatory, implementation, and final. The effectiveness of these technologies was assessed through pre-testing and post-testing. The results show that visualization and AR/VR technologies have a strong positive effect on learning chemistry in Grade 8.