Abstract

ADURIZ-BRAVO, Agustín. Some key characteristics of scientific models relevant for chemistry education. Educ. quím [online]. 2012, vol.23, suppl.2, pp.248-256. ISSN 0187-893X.

In this paper, I identify six "key" epistemological characteristics of scientific models that I deem relevant from the point of view of chemistry education. Based on previous analyses of some fundamental aspects of models, I propose that models constitute cultural representations, they are constructed from real phenomena and theoretical propositions, they mediate between theory and the world, and they aim at satisfying particular human concerns.

Keywords : scientific models; key characteristics; model-based perspective; analogy; theory; mediation.