Scheme of motion as an action organizer in both classical and relativistic mechanics

Abstract

This paper reports our appropriation of the concept of scheme as one of the references for the analysis on the relative time process of signification. It has taken place within a current perspective that discusses the inclusion of modern physics in Brazilian high school, by the investigation of what are the conditions for such inclusion may occur. To do this, a didactic sequence was written placed in the transition between key concepts of classical mechanics and the theory of relativity, where one of the central points was the discussion on the influence of a frame of reference in the study of the movements. The research activities lasted 16 hours in a third grade high school and were quite diverse. We analyzed, in this work, episodes of verbal interaction and students written activities related to the concept of frame of reference and its relationship with relative time. It has been identified different epistemic content in the student’s scheme of movement. We conclude our research by the indication that there may be a reciprocal assimilation between time and motion schemes.