Why does the water rise? A comparative study of the performance in the use of evidence

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyse the performance in the use of evidence of 10th grade students (N=12) and pre-service teachers studying in the final year of their degree program (N=16). To achieve this goal, an experiment in which a candle is burned inside an inverted vessel partially immersed in water, has been used. Data were collected by questionnaires based in the POE strategy and recordings on audio and video. To analyse the data rubrics were constructed drawing from PISA assessment and in interaction with data. Results show that students have some deficiencies in the use of evidence while building scientific explanations. Such deficits remain at the university in spite of an additional science education. Moreover, the selection of evidence was conditioned by their implicit theories. The findings suggest designing and implementing activities that promote students’ development in the use of evidence.