Student Preconceptions
Describe tools used to determine student preconceptions.
Appendix “D” on page 115 gives a good overview of the electric circuit. Use this as a tool to guide students’ understanding of what an electric circuit is.
Description of student preconception, (naïve conception, misconception, incomplete conception)
All metals will be attracted to magnets.
Correct conceptions by the end of the unit.
Certain metals are attracted to magnets.
Description of a student preconception (naïve conception, misconception, incomplete conception)
There is no relationship between compasses and magnets.
Correct conceptions by the end of the unit.
A compass will move in response to a magnet that is placed near it.
Description of a student preconception (naïve conception, misconception, incomplete conception)
There is no relationship between magnets and electricity.
Correct conceptions by the end of the unit.
An electric current moving through a wire creates magnetism.
Placing a rotating coil of wire near a magnet can create an electric current.
Description of a student preconception (naïve conception, misconception, incomplete conception)
Motors are only found in cars.
Correct conception by the end of the unit
There are many types of motors. A simple motor can be created from an electromagnet.
Question:
Can you hear sounds in space?
Answer:
No, you cannot hear sound in space. Space is a vacuum. There are no molecules of air.