INFLATING BALLOONS IN BOTTLES: EXPLANATORY MODELS OF STUDENTS OF PRIMARY, SECONDARY AND HIGH SCHOO

Abstract

From a perspective in didactics of science, it is necessary to under-take teaching based on the development of explanatory models. Thus, the objective of this paper is to explore the construction of causal reasoning patterns in 6th, 9th, and 12th grade students as necessary instances to know the evolution of learning. To this end, we designed a pilot activity that involves inflating a balloon inside a bottle, with some variations, to which the students had to give explanations, showing the importance of taking into account these explanatory models for the development of a scientific thought.