Monica Leggett 2003 Phys. Educ. 38 130 doi:10.1088/0031-9120/38/2/304
Monica Leggett
Show affiliationsEnergy is not only a core concept in physics but also a major issue in our post-Kyoto world. When using a constructivist approach to teaching, we need to be aware of students' preconceptions. A palette of alternative frameworks, which includes those used by adults within the community, can facilitate this. An exploration of energy issues with non-scientists within the community has generated some relevant insights. Participants' concepts of energy were multifaceted. Most had a strong personal component, but also social, technical and cosmic dimensions. Although many participants were uncomfortable with the terms `renewable' and `sustainable', they clearly articulated the social and technical requirements for a shift away from current fossil fuel dependency. However, the law of conservation of energy, a core belief of physicists, appeared to be totally absent from their concept of energy.
Issue 2 (March 2003)
Received 30 October 2002
Monica Leggett 2003 Phys. Educ. 38 130
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