The role of experimental activity in the development of Contemporary Physics topics: Classroom strategy for understanding the phenomenon of superconductivity

Abstract

We present a detailed analysis of various aspects around the design, execution and results evaluation of a classroom strategy for teaching Contemporary Physics topics at the intermediate level. This experience was carried out with a group of high school seniors in Bogota, Colombia, addressing the issue of superconductivity. Using the pedagogical approach of Teaching for Understanding, a class plan of theoretical and experimental activities was designed with the aim of understanding the phenomenon of superconductivity together with different related concepts of classical and contemporary physics, and of current technological advances and social implications that the development of science brings in different world contexts. This plan was put into practice with very satisfactory results, which are analyzed and discussed in this article.