Design and development of a microscopic model for polarization

As research shows that the knowledge and use of models and modelling by teachers is limited, particularly for predicting phenomena, we developed and applied a sequence of three representations of a simulated model focusing on polarization and specifically showing the behaviour of an atom, and forces...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPhysics education Vol. 44; no. 6; pp. 589 - 598
Main Authors Petridou, E, Psillos, D, Hatzikraniotis, E, Viiri, J
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Brecon IOP Publishing 01.11.2009
Institute of Physics Publishing
Subjects
Charged particles
College Science
Foreign Countries
Greece
Hands on Science
Molecular Structure
Physics
Polarization
Preservice Teachers
Science Activities
Science Instruction
Scientific Concepts
Scientific Principles
Simulation
Teachers
Worksheets
Greece
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Summary:As research shows that the knowledge and use of models and modelling by teachers is limited, particularly for predicting phenomena, we developed and applied a sequence of three representations of a simulated model focusing on polarization and specifically showing the behaviour of an atom, and forces exerted on a dipole and an insulator, when a charged particle is placed anywhere near them. The sequence was tested with beginning student teachers. They worked with specially developed worksheets in which the simulated model was treated, before carrying out hands-on experiments embedded in a model-based instructional unit which aimed to help the student teachers understand polarization and become familiar with the predictive use of models. Selected pre-study tests, post-study tests and group interview results are presented, showing the participants' ability to use the model to predict the attraction between an uncharged and a charged balloon. (Contains 6 footnotes, 1 table and 9 figures.)
ISSN:0031-9120
1361-6552
DOI:10.1088/0031-9120/44/6/003