'Forms of Energy', an intermediary language on the road to thermodynamics? Part I

Abstract

In secondary education 'energy' is often introduced by distinguishing different 'forms of energy' for different phenomena. Of these forms of energy, only kinetic and potential energy are accepted in current science. The question has been raised whether all forms of energy should be eliminated from secondary school science curricula. As a contribution to this discussion we will first analyse the language used to introduce 'forms of energy' in order to determine possible inconsistencies and limitations of validity, judged from the viewpoint of thermodynamics. In Part II, the results of two teaching experiments at university level will be presented. In these experiments attempts are made to build on students 'forms of energy' language as well as to challenge its limitations. As a result of both parts, conclusions will be drawn as to whether 'forms of energy' can be accepted 'as an intermediary language' and changes to the usual teaching sequence will be proposed.