Thermodynamics, not just thermal physics

Abstract

This paper presents a proposal for the teaching of Thermodynamics which takes as a starting point the intuitive ideas of students. The presentation of the results of inquiries about the understanding and misunderstandings of students leads us to the suggestion that the features of process and time are important components to intuitive schemes, of course, without any formalization. Then it is assumed that the final state of knowledge could consist of the understanding of the thermodynamics process according to the development of the subject in this century. A scheme of a didactical path is illustrated. A list of possible issues for discussion concludes this paper.