Application of the conceptual map method in teaching the sections electromagnetic phenomena and light of the content of physics and astronomy in 10th grade for forming students concepts about the nature of light

The concept map method allows for structuring knowledge in its interconnectedness and hierarchy. It is based on Ausubel’s theory of meaningful learning. The article describes practical experience in applying this method in the learning process by compiling two concept maps from the section “Electromagnetic Phenomena” and from the section “Light” of the curriculum for the subject Physics and Astronomy in grade 10. The first map explores the concept of the electromagnetic field and the wave nature of light. The second presents the corpuscular-wave dualism of light. In two areas of the map, wave and corpuscular light phenomena are examined. The students’ already acquired knowledge, which is the basis for understanding new knowledge, theories and concepts, is also analyzed. The possibilities of concept maps are used to detect students’ misconceptions about physical objects and phenomena. The proposed concept maps, tested in practice, can be used as educational resources for a better understanding of the concept of particle-wave dualism.