Alternative frameworks in energy

Abstract

Research in students' ideas about energy has been carried out in different countries. Many secondary students are found to have ideas which are different from the correct physics view. One example of such alternative frameworks is the idea that energy is used up. This research aims to investigate Maltese students' ideas about energy. Popularity and properties of alternative frameworks will be analyzed and compared with results obtained in other countries. A questionnaire including questions set by the A.P.U. and other questions was used for this research. Government school students in Forms 3, 4 and 5 participated in this research. Alternative frameworks were found to be common among Maltese students. Difficulties were recorded especially in questions concerning concepts. Recommendations are presented to help deal with such difficulties.