Julia Menger
Julia Menger
Dissertation project
Didactic reconstruction of the topic "Load transport using simple mechanical machines"
Simple machines are mechanical devices that change the magnitude or direction of force in such a way that work can be performed with the least possible effort. Simple machines include rollers, wheels, levers, inclined planes and rods.
People have been using simple machines for centuries to ensure their survival. When making tools and building pyramids, castles and churches, they discovered the laws of nature, invented simple machines and used them to transport loads. To this day, simple machines form the basis of many tools, household appliances and toys.
For an effective learning process, it is important to know the prior knowledge and ideas that pupils bring to the classroom. There are no studies on primary school pupils' perceptions of simple machines and how they work, so I collected this information as part of my dissertation. Based on the data obtained, material for teaching the topic is reconstructed, taking into account the technical clarification.
Publications
- Conceptions of Simple Machines and their Functionality: A Study for the Enrichment of Technology Education in Primary Schools. In: Benson, Clare et al: ...10 years on. Sixth international Primary Design and Technology Conference. Birmingham: CRIPT UCE (University of Central England) 2007, pp. 83-85.
- All a question of technology?! - Perspectives for a child-orientated technical subject teaching with simple machines. In: Pfeiffer, Silke (ed.): Sachunterricht im 21.Jahrhundert - Bestandsaufnahmen - Herausforderungen - Visionen. Oldenburger VorDrucke, Oldenburg 2007, pp. 113-124.
Presentations and lectures
- 29 October 2006 Primary school pupils' ideas about simple mechanical machines and how they work - first insights from an empirical survey. Presentation at the 15th GDCP Doctoral Conference in Oldenburg.
- 30.06.2007 Conceptions of Simple Machines and their Functionality: A Study for the Enrichment of Technology Education in Primary Schools. Presentation at the 6th International Primary Design and Technology Conference in Birmingham.
- 11.07.2007 All a question of technology?! - Perspectives for a child-orientated technical education with simple machines. Lecture in the series of lectures "Neue Wege im Sachunterricht" in the summer semester 2007 at the University of Oldenburg.
- 12.12.2007 Children's ideas about nature and society in science lessons (together with Andrea Becher). Lecture in the series of lectures of the doctoral programme ProDid "Didaktische Forschung und Praxis im Dialog -Was kann die Oldenburger Lehr- und Lernforschung in der Schulpraxis bewirken? In the winter semester 2007/2008 at the University of Oldenburg.