How does a flame work? Construction and reconstruction of mental models in front of a candle

The rational and emotional dynamics produced on the students of a Secondary School class when experimentally studying a candle’s flame functioning are described. The various students’ mental models and how are reconstructed until they result fully satisfactory are analysed. The process shows the importance of a good didactic sequence design and an efficient dialogue to conduct the class, considering the emotions associated with the students’ mental models, and stimulating its evolution until reaching a consensus among all participants.
keywords: Chemical change; combustion; mental model; emotion; dialogue.