Students' conceptions of forces: Similarities and differences among grade six and grade ten students

May R. Ronda

Date of Publication

2015

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Teaching Major in Physics

Subject Categories

Physics

College

Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC College of Education

Department/Unit

Science Education

Thesis Adviser

Lydia S. Roleda

Defense Panel Chair

Maricar S. Prudente

Defense Panel Member

Robert C. Roleda
Voltaire M. Mistades

Abstract/Summary

This study identified the grade six and grade ten students conceptions of force. The student's conceptions were grouped into different categories noting the similarities and differences in the conceptions between groups. The two groups of respondents of this study were fifteen sixth graders and fifteen tenth graders from a public school in Quezon City. They were of varying scholastic abilities as gauged from their academic grades in the previous year. Results showed that both groups of students have many different conceptions of force. The grade six students had simple answers that belong to one category only while the grade ten students had more complex answers that belong to different categories. In situations with persons and inanimate objects, most of the students from both groups had conceptions relating force to the person. The person is thought of as the source of force has the ability to use it, and to transfer it. In situations involving only inanimate objects, both groups of students had varying conceptions. They have conceptions relating force to motion, light, position of the object and ability of the object to support itself or other objects. Only one grade six student in the high scholastic ability group identified gravity as a force while ten grade 10 students mentioned it. Results also showed that the scholastic abilities of students were not relevant to the kind of conceptions of force they had.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Accession Number

CDTG006601

Shelf Location

Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F Henry Sy Sr. Hall

Physical Description

1 computer optical disc ; 4 3/4 in.

Keywords

Force and energy

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS