A inserção da Física no 8º ano do Ensino Fundamental por meio de atividades práticas e simuladores PhET e Vascak: formação continuada para professores de Ciências

Abstract

According to the Brazilian National Common Curricular Base (BNCC), Physics concepts are included in the specific skills outlined for Natural Sciences from Year 6 of primary education. However, many schools and students only begin to recognise Physics as a distinct subject from Year 9 or during secondary education. By the time they reach this stage, students often carry misconceptions about the subject, perceiving it as inaccessible, overly abstract, or limited to the application of mathematical formulas. Aiming to demystify these ideas and make Physics teaching more engaging and meaningful, this research proposes the integration of practical activities and the use of digital simulators — such as PhET and Vascak — in Year 8 classes, with a focus on the thematic unit “Matter and Energy”. The topics covered include electricity, electromagnetism, electric circuits, conscious energy consumption, and sources of electrical generation, as outlined by the BNCC for this stage. The research is grounded in the principles of Scientific Literacy, Meaningful Learning, and the use of active methodologies supported by digital technologies in Science education. The methodological approach adopted is Action Research, as the study was based on the researcher’s own teaching practice and involved the active participation of students from her classes, and, at a later stage, also of teachers. The research was therefore carried out with Year 8 classes in a private school, where didactic sequences involving practical activities and simulators were developed and tested. These were compiled in the activity booklet titled “Eletrizando!” (“Electrifying!”). The "Electrifying" was therefore applied and evaluated by the students. The result of the evaluation was generally positive, with the students highlighting the innovative methodology. Based on this experience, the e-book "PROFESSORS WHO ELECTRIZE!" was created, a pedagogical manual aimed at Science teachers in the final years of Elementary School, containing theoretical foundations and suggestions for activities. As a result of the research, a continuing education course was also proposed for Science Teachers working in the second segment of Elementary School, to whom the Manual was presented and applied. The course and the manual, educational products resulting from the research, were evaluated and validated by the teachers who attended the course, who highlighted positive aspects of the material, valued the use of simulators and made suggestions. The research and educational products seek to offer concrete pedagogical support to teachers working in the second segment of Elementary School, promoting more interactive practices, breaking with stigmas associated with Physics and favoring the Scientific Literacy of students. It is hoped, therefore, to contribute to a more fluid transition to High School, encouraging student protagonism and the formation of critical, competent and socially conscious individuals.