(1) Science Education and Communication, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
Abstract:
Artifacts are probably our most obvious everyday encounter with technology. Therefore, a good understanding of the nature
of technical artifacts is a relevant part of technological literacy. In this article we draw from the philosophy of technology
to develop a conceptualization of technical artifacts that can be used for educational purposes. Furthermore we report a small
exploratory empirical study to see to what extent teachers’ intuitive ideas about artifacts match with the way philosophers
write about the nature of artifacts. Finally, we suggest a teaching and learning strategy for improving (student) teachers’
concepts of technical artifacts through practical activities.