Learning and teaching about energy, power, current and voltage

Two ideas for helping to overcome common student misconceptions about the nature of electricity, which have been tried out and tested over a period of four years with students aged 13-15, are described. The first involves the use of 'conceptual bridges' connecting the abstract concepts of energy and power with concrete observations. The second makes use of an analogy, or model, to help students distinguish between the concepts of electric energy, current and voltage. The advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed. The results of pre- and post-tests with the trial students indicate significant decreases in the numbers holding misconceptions in these areas