Why does it explode? Determining learning progress through an experimental concept on dust explosions

Abstract

Dust explosions represent a constant danger in the processing industry. In educational settings, one can illustrate them using the model experiment on flour dust explosions. The explosion pentagon describes the conditions - fuel, oxidant, mixing, ignition source, and confinement - all of which are required for an explosion to occur. Thus far, the model experiment has been used as an illustrative tool. However, it can also be applied to make the conditions directly tangible through targeted variation. This allows for its use as a research tool to promote the knowledge acquisition of learners. Accordingly, an experimental concept employing inquiry-based learning was designed for each condition to investigate the prerequisites of a dust explosion. This experimental concept aims to enhance expertise on dust explosions and foster the ability to conduct independent research. The experimental concept was implemented in a scientific parent-child program (grades 3-6) and carried out as an intervention with school classes (grade 5), in which learning progress on dust explosions was assessed using a pre-post design. Both groups demonstrated a significant increase in knowledge with strong effect sizes (r = 0.61, 0.54). However, the parent-child-dyads scored significantly higher in the post-test, highlighting the benefit of parental support.