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“Everything comes to an end”: An intuitive rule in physics and mathematics
Article first published online: 13 MAY 2004
DOI: 10.1002/sce.10142
Copyright © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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How to Cite
Yair, Y. and Yair, Y. (2004), “Everything comes to an end”: An intuitive rule in physics and mathematics. Sci. Ed., 88: 594–609. doi: 10.1002/sce.10142
Publication History
- Issue published online: 4 JUN 2004
- Article first published online: 13 MAY 2004
- Manuscript Accepted: 30 SEP 2003
- Manuscript Revised: 20 SEP 2003
- Manuscript Received: 15 OCT 2002
- Abstract
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Abstract
The present research deals with the perception of matter in young children, inquiring if it is perceived as discrete or continuous. It investigates the existence of the intuitive rule “everything can be divided in two” in elementary school children (K-6) by using questions on the subdivision of mathematical and material objects. In addition, we included questions for studying students' conceptions of the particulate nature of matter, such as drawing of objects seen through “magic glasses” or describing the process of dissolving of sugar in water.
The results show that an intuitive rule exists in elementary school children: “everything comes to an end,” meaning that subdivisions must eventually cease. This newly found rule seems to be less frequent as the children mature, parallel to an increase in the appearance of the intuitive rule “everything can be divided in two” and the emergence of the discrete concept of matter. An agglomeration of intuitive rules such as these can probably form the infrastructure for early explanatory frameworks. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed88:594–609, 2004