Estudando a física do efeito estufa no 9º ano: uma abordagem visando a aprendizagem significativa

Abstract

This paper discusses the results regarding the use of a Potentially Significant Teaching Unit (PSTU), which deals with the Greenhouse Effect, which aims to discuss the concept of energy in elementary education. The teaching unit is based on the use of a virtual laboratory, provided by the Physics Education Technology (PhET) and is based on theoretical studies of Ausubel and Novak on Significant Learning. The activities were carried out during the year 2014 in two classes of the ninth year of elementary school of a private school college, located in the municipality of Lavras, Minas Gerais. However, this paper presents the analysis of the data referring to only one of them. This qualitative analysis was inspired by the Content Analysis Method in order to understand the meanings exchanged between students and teachers. The results of the unit analysis showed that most students understood the greenhouse effect as well as how it influences the temperature of the planet.