Solar water heater as a generative topic: a proposal for active learning to tackle the energy problem

Abstract

The paper describes a research action teaching exercise that included renewable energies uses as an environ-mental issues in physics teaching. Another goal was to overcome traditional teaching placing the students in a active role. A sequence of activities was proposed to design, construct and improve solar water heaters in se-condary schools of Payogasta, Campo Quijano and La Silleta (Province of Salta). Solar heater is a "generative topic" in the sense proposed by M. Stone Wiske in her teaching for understanding theory. It must be authentic, accessible, very interesting for students and fascinating for teachers. The action research exercise generated a positive environment for teaching and learning and planned new proposals that are being explored.