36 NaTIoNal SCIENCE TEaChERS aSSoCIaTIoN
Chapter 2 The Teaching of Science Content
CONCEPTUAL
SCHEME A
CONCEPTUAL
SCHEME B
CONCEPTUAL
SCHEME C
When energy
changes from one
form to another,
the total amount
of energy remains
unchanged.When matter
changes from one
form to another,
the total amount
of matter remains
unchanged.The universe is in
continuous change.CONCEPT
LEVEL VI
The amount of
energy gotten out
of a machine does
not exceed the
energy put into it.In nuclear
reactions, matter
is converted to
energy, but the total
amount of matter
and energy remains
unchanged.Nuclear reactions
produce the radiant
energy of stars
and consequent
change.CONCEPT
LEVEL V
Energy must be
applied to produce
an unbalanced
force, which results
in a change in
motion.In chemical or
physical changes,
the total amount
of matter remains
unchanged.Bodies in space
are in continuous
change.CONCEPT
LEVEL IV
A loss or gain of
energy affects
molecular motion.In chemical
change, atoms
react to produce
change in the
molecules.The Earth’s matter
is in continuous
change.CONCEPT
LEVEL III
The Sun is the
Earth’s chief source
of radiant energy.Matter consists
of atoms and
molecules.There are seasonal
and annual
changes on Earth.
CONCEPT
LEVEL II
(Analogical)Energy can change
from one form to
another.A change in the
state of matter
is determined by
molecular motion.There are regular
changes in
positions of the
Earth and Moon.
CONCEPT
LEVEL I
(Analogical)Force is required
to set an object in
motion.Matter commonly
exists as solids,
liquids, and gases.There are daily
changes on Earth.BEGINNING
CONCEPT
LEVEL
(Analogical)A force is needed
to start, stop,
or change the
direction of motion.Matter is
characterized by
certain properties
by which it can
be identified and
classified.Things change
(implicit within
the development
of Conceptual
Schemes A and B).Table 2.1
Conceptual FrameworksCopyright © 2010 NSTA. All rights reserved. For more information, go to http://www.nsta.org/permissions.