A Trend Analysis of the Chemistry Test Problems Based on the Revised Syllabus of the International Junior Science Olympiad.

Abstract

In this study, the trend of chemistry test problems was analyzed based on the revised syllabus of the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO). Multiple-choice, theoretical, and experimental problems were classified by topics and concepts based on the revised IJSO syllabus, and new types of problems. As a result of the study, the multiple-choice problems evenly included various topics and concepts from the syllabus, while the theoretical problems had a high proportion of topics related to interactions. The ratio of experimental problems was in the order of general science skills, interaction, mathematics skills, and practical skills. After the syllabus revision, new types of problems were introduced, including precipitation reactions, solubility equilibrium, nuclear chemistry, and spectrophotometry. In addition, there were new theoretical problems integrating various concepts. The educational implications of this were discussed in the context of science education for the gifted.