Revisitando experimentos didáticos de física numa perspectiva de ensino por investigação

Abstract

In this work we seek to launch a different look at experimental activities by focusing on a perspective of teaching by investigation. Thereunto, initially we did a study on the use of Physics experiments in didactic books published in Brazil since the beginning of the 20th century. From the results of this study, we selected some experiments and tried to re-elaborate them in a perspective of investigative activity. From this perspective we understand that experimental activities must be guided by actions that involve: initial analysis of the problem to be solved; hypothesis elaboration; definition of procedures; data collect; data analysis; and drawing up the conclusion. Hereupon, we elaborated a set of four scripts of experiments on the following subjects: Simple Pendulum; Electrification; Magnetic Field and Thermal Sensation. The scripts follow a structure, that initially presents a problem situation in which students are led to hypothesize about the problem that will be investigated; then is introduced a sequence of activities that allow the student to explore the problem and test his hypotheses; and lastly, another question is presented, which again refers in the student the initial problematization in order to confront his hypotheses with the results obtained in the activities performed. These scripts were applied in two schools, one public and one private, for students in the 2nd and 3rd year of High School. From these applications we had the opportunity to observe the impact of the methodological proposal on the students' involvement with the teaching contents of Physics and on the development of skills related to the construction of scientific knowledge itself. It was also possible to rework the scripts to present them in the form of an educational product that may be appropriate by other Physics teachers who want to apply the methodology proposed here.