The evolutionary map of the seasons

Abstract

Evolutionary maps (emaps) are structures that represent the network of itineraries that children may follow in the conceptualization of specific topics (within concrete thought). They consist of the set of integrations that are made possible by the succession of differentiations that subjects make from perceptual reality. In this paper, we present its application to a new topic (the annual cycle of the motion of the Sun in the sky), including the experimental test, which has revealed a panoply of children’s conceptions, strengthened the validity and versatility of the methodology, suggested a cognitive mechanism of didactical relevance (deduced observational models) and provided additional support to the need for cementing children’s learning in empirical reality. In addition, as all emaps, it enables the design of sequential objectives and evaluation criteria consistent with cognitive development, as well as the identification of the precise architecture of the conceptual change necessary in each student.