In this paper we shall consider the history of science as a useful instrument for identifying where the problems lay in the construction of concepts and theories; indicating epistemological barriers that had to be overcome and the ideas that permitted advancement. From this point of view, we have developed a conceptual framework for the topic of the electromotive force. We have subsequently formulated 'learning indicators' that indicate the different stages that must be worked through in a learning sequence, and that establish the major concepts and ways of reasoning that students should learn. We shall show that in the case of electromotive force, knowledge of the historical difficulties, and of the ideas that contributed to overcoming these difficulties, furnished us with useful information for designing solidly based teaching sequences and learning objectives.
history of electricity; electromotive force; learning indicators; teaching sequence design
