Bitzenbauer P, Tóth K, Michelini M (2024)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2024
Book Volume: 20
Article Number: em2449
Journal Issue: 6
Open Access Link: https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/14587
In this paper, we present a new minimal mathematical conceptual approach to quantum mechanics using light polarization for lower secondary school students with the aim of bringing students closer to the so-called quantum mechanical way of thinking. We investigated how students think about some of the basic concepts and fundamental laws and we found that certain concepts are quite well-understandable in younger grades too. We studied the introduction of the so-called state circle, which can faithfully represent quantum mechanical formalism without involving students in abstract algebraic calculations. We then categorized and analyzed students’ thoughts on the superposition principle and the lack of trajectory, finding that the concept of measurement and the lack of trajectory were problematic. We explored that younger students tend to hold gestalt-like mental models of quantum concepts, while at the same time being able to use visualizations correctly for reasoning in the quantum realm. Overall, this paper provides evidence in favor of introducing basic features of quantum mechanics as early as in lower secondary school.
APA:
Bitzenbauer, P., Tóth, K., & Michelini, M. (2024). From light polarization to quantum physics: Supporting lower secondary school students’ transition from gestalt to functional thinking. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 20(6). https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/14587
MLA:
Bitzenbauer, Philipp, Kristóf Tóth, and Marisa Michelini. "From light polarization to quantum physics: Supporting lower secondary school students’ transition from gestalt to functional thinking." Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education 20.6 (2024).
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