CHEMISTRY EDUCATION: RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2004, Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 157-174	Theme Issue: Chemistry and Environmental Education RESEARCH REPORT (EMPIRICAL STUDY)

Marcelo Leandro EICHLER ^{1, 2} , José Claudio DEL PINO,¹
and Léa da Cruz FAGUNDES^2
1 Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Chemistry Institute,
Chemistry Education Department (Brazil)
² Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Psychology Institute,
Cognitive Studies Laboratory (Brazil)

DEVELOPMENT OF COGNITIVE CONDUCTS DURING A COMPUTER SIMULATED ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS

ABSTRACT: This paper points out that acid rain is an environmental problem that usually occurs in regions close to carboelectric complexes. A possible solution to this anthropogenic problem requires elements that go beyond the domain of physico-chemical knowledge. Therefore, we consider that it is necessary to approach this problem from an interdisciplinary perspective. Thus, the aim of this research was to demonstrate the attitudes that some individuals, put into practice in the analysis and solution of a computer-simulated environmental problem. The method employed was the case study and it counted on 8 participants aged between 14 and 17 years old. Data were obtained through systematic observation, clinical interviews and log files. Data interpretation aimed to evince the development of cognitive conducts in the environmental analysis. Thus the existence of different behavior profiles related to environment were verified: individuals oriented by economical notions; individuals oriented by Law principles and those guided by models of the natural science's descriptions and explanations. [Chem. Educ. Res. Pract.: 2004, 5, 157-174]

KEY WORDS: cognitive development; educational software; problem solving; acid rain

CORRESPONDENCE: Marcelo Leandro EICHLER; Área de Educaçao Química/UFRGS, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500 - Sala D144, Campus Vale, C.E.P.: 91501-970, Porto Alegre/RS, Brasil; tel.: 55-51-33166270; e-mail: exlerbr@yahoo.com.br

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