Learning buoyancy during problem solving: a Coordination-Class Theory approach

The present work describes certain details of the conceptual understanding that does and does not occur during a particular problem solving activity. The case studied focuses on three introductory physics students (university level) as they approach three problems on static fluids. The cognitive activity registered takes place around the concept of buoyant force. To carry out the analysis, Coordination Class Theory (diSessa and Wagner, 2005) is used to carry out the analysis. Ultimately, we are able to understand how and when these students make a conceptual progress in their understanding after overcoming particular difficulties. A description is achieved of some aspects of the learning dynamics and its relation to the context-specific traits of the situations.