Models in science education: Student reactions when using an didactic analog concrete mechanical model object (OMMCAD).

Abstract In this manuscript we present the notion of didactic analog concrete mechanical model object (OMMCAD), a type of didactic model born of the fusion of the Bungeana epistemology of models (scientific models) with the didactics of sciences (didactic models), developed for teaching-learning purposes of the astronomical theme of the a) apparent movement of the Sun, b) of the different directions of the sun's rise throughout the year and c) the approximate duration of the "clear day" for any region of the Earth. Some results of our modeling work with 11 senior students are disclosed. We also present the insight of some science educators at the international level who work with modeling at school, that is, with practical actions to elaborate, make and explore models to represent reality; creative activities that propel a school science education. The results indicate strong evidence that OMMCAD can be used as supplemental material to the school textbook, contributing to overcoming one of the challenges for science education today: the insufficiencies of the textbook.