American Students' Intuitive Ideas About Humidifier and Electric Heater : A Cross Age Study
It has been reported that students hold various intuitive ideas about classroom experiences as well as natural phenomena. In addition, students may hold intuitive ideas about some means of science instruction. Two everyday devices, such as a humidifier and an electric heater, were investigated in terms of students' intuitive ideas. A total of 36 students (nine students from each of the following level; fifth-, eighth-, eleventh-grades, and college) were selected from the Central Texas Area. The researcher interviewed each subject. Less than 30 percent of the subjects believed that prolonged use of an electric heater in a closed small room will lead to the decreament of humidity in the room. However, only two students were aware that increased temperature lowers the humidity. Students held two major intuitive ideas about humidifier: human-centered and air-centered. The subjects who held human-centered views about humidifier believed that a humidifier clears human throats and lungs, or helps people to breathe easier. The subjects whose ideas were categorized as air-centered responded that a humidifier generates oxygen, cleans air, or provides moisture into the air. Higher grade students held more sophisticated ideas about electric heater and humidifier. Students' intuitive ideas about electric heater and humidifier were qualitatively different from those expected. Therefore, everyday devices which may be frequently used for science instruction should be investigated in terms of students' intuitive ideas. At the same time intuitive ideas about such devices should be incorporated into the planning of science instruction, curriculum design, and teacher education.