O uso de um laboratório portátil com materiais reciclados nas aulas práticas de ciências naturais

Abstract

This work describes the learning obtained through experimentation using a laboratory built with recycled materials. The objective was to introduce to 8th graders a portable laboratory as an educational tool for natural sciences teaching through experimental classes. This study was carried out in three elementary schools (A, B, and C) in the municipality of Salvaterra – PA, working with three classes, each subdivided into five groups. First, we performed a brief introduction of the issue to be considered, followed by the application of five experiments using alternative materials, and after that a dynamic activity with direct questions to the students, regarding their understanding of their experiments. After that, quantitative questionnaires were provided to the students, in which the schools (A, B, and C) classified the practice as excellent. During the activity, the students were assessed qualitatively through observation method, in terms of their reactions and words while they performed the experiments. With the results obtained from this study, we perceived that the schools (A, B, and C) reported that they enjoyed the experimental classes, because they facilitate learning, making it significant. Although none of the three schools have science laboratories, the studies showed a full and significant interest by active participation with good performance, which shows that this proposal is an alternative for making science teaching classes more attractive and constructive, with a view to improved learning. Keywords: Alternative resources. Experimental activities. Science education.