Abstract
From switch to electronic relay, from electro-magnetic relay to transistor. We suggest that, in the field of science didactics, the introduction of modelisation can be an aid to the building up of knowledge. Without aiming at the rigour and efficacity of certain scientific models, we wish to show the effects of modelisation in the internalisation of knowledge. We base this hypothesis on the fact that one of the functions of models, the explanatory function, makes use of analogy. We give examples here in which, to explain the role of the electro magnetic relay, the mechanical switch serves as a model, then the relay itself becomes a model of the transistor. The idea of a model, in these situations, is used in the limited sense of a tool for thought, simplifying the complexity of reality. It will be seen how pupils aged 10-11 (highest primary class) were able, by means of this aid, to integrate the first principles of the transistor used as a switch.
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