How does a flame work? Construction and reconstruction of mental models in front of a candle

Authors

  • Joan Aliberas Professor de física i química de secundària

Keywords:

Chemical change, combustion, mental model, emotion, dialogue.

Abstract

The rational and emotional dynamics produced on the students of a Secondary School class when experimentally studying a candle’s flame functioning are described. The various students’ mental models and how are reconstructed until they result fully satisfactory are analysed. The process shows the importance of a good didactic sequence design and an efficient dialogue to conduct the class, considering the emotions associated with the students’ mental models, and stimulating its evolution until reaching a consensus among all participants.

keywords: Chemical change; combustion; mental model; emotion; dialogue.

Author Biography

Joan Aliberas, Professor de física i química de secundària

És llicenciat en ciències químiques i doctor en didàctica de les ciències. Professor de física i química de secundària. Membre del grup de recerca LIEC (Llenguatge i Ensenyament de les Ciències) de la UAB. Ha col·laborat amb el Departament de Didàctica
de les Ciències de la UAB en la formació del professorat i en recerques didàctiques sobre l’elaboració d’activitats i seqüències didàctiques.

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Issue

No. 27 (2020)

Section

Monografia: La reacció química

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