Diagnosis of Spanish Primary School Students' Common Alternative Science Conceptions

The purpose of this investigation was to explore common (elicited from at least 25% of students at any one level) alternative conceptions of a Natural Science topic familiar to students, which was a part of the regular curriculum. The primary topic was: Water in Nature. We also studied the persistence and tenacity of alternative conceptions. The most relevant instruments and strategies used in the investigation were the following: brainstorming sessions, transcriptions of students' participation, a questionnaire on basic knowledge of the topic and concept maps. Our study of the data revealed that similar misconceptions are evident in upper elementary school students and lower elementary school students.