Discussing discarded models: an integrative teaching resource

This study proposes a kind of teaching resource adaptable to different levels of teaching and training objectives that allows the introduction of contextual issues and concepts of history and the nature of science while providing tools for learning modeling and integrating different kinds of knowledge. A controversial case from science history was sought to develop an integrating teaching activity. The case to find must be one that confront at least two different models to solve a scientific problem or a technological one. Torricelli’s theory vs. horror vacui theory as it was modified by Galileo result a useful case to take as content for the teaching activity. Groups of students must argument in favor and against each of theories or models. The proposed activity introduces future teachers in the student’s role, considering that they will play the teacher’s role when they use similar activities with their future students. Moreover, it trains future physics teachers to integrate modeling, history and nature of science.