ERIC Number: EJ755300
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006-Nov
Pages: 10
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0031-9120
EISSN: N/A
The "Brightness Rules" Alternative Conception for Light Bulb Circuits
Bryan, Joel A.; Stuessy, Carol
Physics Education, v41 n6 p522-531 Nov 2006
An alternative conception for the observed differences in light bulb brightness was revealed during an unguided inquiry investigation in which prospective elementary teachers placed identical bulbs in series, parallel, and combination direct current circuits. Classroom observations, document analyses, and video and audio transcriptions led to the discovery of this alternative conception, appropriately christened "Brightness Rules". Assessments administered three weeks after the activity confirmed that several prospective teachers maintained the "Brightness Rules" conception even after instructor-led intervention. Implications of the discovery of this alternative conception are discussed with respect to a previously administered assessment question that could not identify the presence of this alternative conception.
Descriptors: Science Education, Scientific Concepts, Science Experiments, Preservice Teacher Education, Lighting, Optics, Concept Formation, Elementary School Science, Elementary School Teachers
Institute of Physics Publishing. The Public Ledger Building Suite 929, 150 South Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 215-627-0880; Fax: 215-627-0879; e-mail: info@ioppubusa.com; Web site: http://journals.iop.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Elementary Education; Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A