Students’ argumentation in the creation and critique of analogies of Thomson’s Atomic Model

Abstract: In this paper, we aim to explain how the strategy for the creation and critique of analogies of Chemistry students can favor engagement with argumentation and the learning of the atomic model proposed by Thomson. A Didactic Unit was produced and used with a first-year high school class. The class was recorded on audio and video, and a case study was developed of a group of students. The analysis of the case indicates that the students were involved in argumentation when they presented the correspondences and limitations of comparisons, which favored the defense of their opinions, the rejection, and assessment of ideas concerning their comparisons. The strategy contributed to the learning of complex aspects related to the model, such as the movement of electrons. We believe that this strategy may be potentially useful in the context of Chemistry teaching.