In this study, a set of hybrid images was designed as a new and up-to-date unexamined type of external visual representations in the chemistry classroom. One challenging teaching theme was chosen ("Amino acids and proteins"), and the hybrid images were used among novices-primary school students. For the purpose of the study, two groups were formed: experimental and control. The experimental group was taught using the hybrid images, while the control group was subjected to a traditional approach. After conducting the experiment, no statistically significant difference in the average performances between the two groups was found. However, the experimental group outperformed the control group in several test items. Additionally, misconceptions appeared within the C group. The results showed that several hybrid images with a potentially good methodological design might help students to develop conceptual understanding of some important concepts of amino acids and proteins (e.g., formation of peptide bonds). © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 1-12, 2019.