The Impact of Physics Taught with Simulators and Texts in Brazilian High School: A Study in the Adult and Youth Education

Authors: Leandro Marcos Alves Vaz

Abstract:

The teaching of physics in Brazilian public schools emphasizes strongly the theoretical aspects of this science, showing its philosophical and mathematical basis, but neglecting its experimental character. Perhaps the lack of science laboratories explains this practice. In this work, we present a method of teaching physics using the computer. As alternatives to real experiments, we have the trials through simulators, many of which are free software available on the internet. In order to develop a study on the use of simulators in teaching, knowing the impossibility of simulations on all topics in a given subject, we combined these programs with phenomenological and/or experimental texts in order to mitigate this limitation. This study proposes the use of simulators and the debate using phenomenological/experimental texts on electrostatic theme in groups of the 3rd year of EJA (Adult and Youth Education) in order to verify the advantages of this methodology. Some benefits of the hybridization of the traditional method with the tools used were: Greater motivation of the students in learning, development of experimental notions, proactive socialization to learning, greater easiness to understand some concepts and the creation of collaborative activities that can reduce timidity of part of the students.

Keywords: Physics teaching, simulators, youth and adult education, experimentation, electrostatic.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1129606

References:

[1] Brazil. TIC Governo Eletrônico 2013. Comitê Gestor de Internet no Brasil. Pesquisa sobre o uso das Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação no Setor Público Brasileiro. Available at: Accessed in: 20 de Ago. 2014.
[2] Machado, V. "Na era do Tecnoaprendizado". Correio Braziliense, Brasília: Caderno Especial Volta àsaulas, 13 de janeiro 2013, p. 2-3.
[3] Fiolhais, C.; Trindade, J. Física no computador: o computadorcomoumaferramenta no ensino e naaprendizagem das ciênciasfísicas. Revista Brasileira de Ensino de Física, v. 25, n. 3, p. 259-272, set. 2003.
[4] Gilbert, J. K. Visualization: A metacognitive Skill in Science and Science Education, in Gilbert, J.K. (ed), Visualization Inscienceeducation, Netherlands: Springer, 09-27, 2005.
[5] Filho, Geraldo Felipe. "Simuladores computacionais para o ensino de Física básica: uma discussão sobre produção e uso". MSC Thesis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Institute of Physics, Rio de Janeiro: December, 2010.
[6] Pisa, Relatório Nacional dos-resultados brasileiros-2012. Available at: . Accessed on: 15 ago 2014.
[7] Ferreira, L.N.A, Queiroz, S.L. "Scientific Divulgation Text" in Taught Physics: one review". Revista de Educaçãoem Ciência e Tecnologia, São Paulo, 1(5): 3-31, 2012.
[8] Peruzzo, J. Experimentos de Física Básica. Eletromagnetismo, Física Moderna & Ciências Espaciais. São Paulo: Livraria da Física, 2013.