Aprendizagem baseada em projetos aplicada no ensino de eletroquímica para alunos do ensino médio

Abstract

This work looked for understand and apply the active methodology called Project-Based Learning (PBL) in the teaching of Electrochemistry to students in the second year of high school. The PBL methodology is a structured approach that encourages the students in the acquisition of knowledge and skills by themselves. The PBL approach provided an enriched environment in the classroom, which allowed us to discuss the Electrochemical theory, as well as the use of batteries in the everyday life. By applying the PBL methodology, students divided in teams were asked to solve a real problem in an innovative, playful, inclusive and efficient way. In this way, the students are expected to develop a sense of responsibility in the decisions and attitudes they must make in face of everyday challenges. In this sense, an environment to be used by chemistry teachers in the classroom was defined to serve students of the 2nd year of high school education, represented here by the School of CEPE located in the municipality of Miguel Pereira. Students were challenged to outline a project and solve a challenge: to assemble a mobile-powered cart and a battery using simple and recyclable suitable materials. From discussions previously held the students were encouraged to understand the operation of different types of batteries available in the market as well as to create batteries with homemade materials. Another aspect explored in the classroom, of great importance at the present time, involved the disposal and recycling of batteries. At this point of our work, the students were led to a reflection on the environmental impacts of batteries disposal, since the migration of the energy matrix from combustion engines to electric motors will bring up some new challenges that must be faced by society. The work done by the students during this research work, as well as the experiments carried out both in the classroom and outside it, acted as facilitators in the learning the contents of Electrochemistry. Additionaly, but no less important, this work had a very positive impact on students' environmental awareness, and on the community around the school