The main purpose of this research was to study how the attraction among bodies, having as background the evolution of models of the world, can help prospective teachers' education. To reach this goal, we suggest a course plan on gravitational attraction, addressed mainly to High School Physics teachers. This course was based: on data about world models' evolution, searching to make clear how the concept of gravitational attraction was historically developed; on the most common alternative conceptions found in the literature, including a brief outline of notions found among in-service High School Physics teachers, and on suggestions from recent research about Science teaching and learning processes.. The sequence of activities aims to provide teachers with some reflections in order to change their attitudes, through an inquiry into their view of science as a constructive process, and their own teaching practice. The methodology proposed considers the collective work through f debates and synthesis.
History of Science; gravitational attraction; alternative conceptions; Physics Teaching; prospective teachers' education