TI-AIE: Alternative conceptions: heat and temperature

What this unit is about

From an early age, children develop ideas and personal theories to explain the world around them and how it works. Children’s ideas form the basis of their predictions and rules for action; for example, they quickly learn that a fire is hot and not to touch it. They learn that stones sink and wood floats. By the time children go to school, they have already formed their own theories about the science phenomena you are teaching them. Quite often, their ideas are different from the accepted scientific understanding.

This unit examines the alternative conceptions (sometimes referred to as misconceptions) associated with the topic of heat and temperature. It goes on to look at how you might help to develop your students’ alternative conceptions to embrace the accepted science ideas through your teaching.