Conoscenza della Fisica all’ingresso e all’uscita dei corsi universitari di base

The article reports the results of an investigation on the knowledge of physics related to common sense patterns of knowledge of Italian students in the first year of University. The results were communicated both to the students and to the teachers of the courses. This information enabled the teachers to pinpoint and discuss the discrepancies between the scientific Newtonian view and common sense opinions. A post-test at the end of the course shows that, although the majority of the students did not reach a complete understanding of the scientific viewpoint, this practice is effective in inducing conceptual change.