Mental models, conceptual models, and modelling

Abstract

Abstract The study of mental representations constructed by students in their interactions with the world, its phenomena and artefacts, constitutes an important line of research in science education, according to what has been published in recent issues of the most important journals in the area. In this article we review what is being understood by mental model, conceptual model, and modelling, emphasizing the contributions this line of theory can bring to science education and research.