Estrelas - o universo além do sistema solar: uma proposta de inserção de astronomia na educação básica a partir da formação inicial de professores

Abstract

Although using elements that characterize a quantitative approach, the present effort constitutes a qualitative applied research, whose objective is to promote the diffusion of the astronomical knowledge in the Basic Education, mainly with respect to the Stars, through the licenseeings of the course of degree in Physics (IFRN, Caicó campus), future teachers, currently in initial formation. To achieve this goal, we have developed a set of teaching sequences that will form the educational product required by the Program. The contents contemplated in these sequences were carefully selected after a field survey carried out by the application of a questionnaire previously constructed to a group of 51 students duly enrolled in the licentiate course in Physics of said campus. For organization and analysis of the data collected during the survey, we used the Content Analysis Method and grouped the responses into categories, whose results are presented in tables and literally interpreted. As for the methods or procedures adopted, this research assumes a research-action character, whose objective is to generate knowledge for practical purposes, aimed at solving a specific problem. Thus, driven by the need to contribute to the improvement of Astronomy Teaching in the region of Caicó, RN, we have taken a concrete action. The teaching sequences, following basic elaboration strategies that are common in the literature of the research area in science education (contemplating the essential pedagogical moments), were constructed and implemented in the classroom in the form of an extension course in that same campus. IFRN to a group of these students from the originally probed group, who previously enrolled. Tornado official by the Pro-Rectory of Extension, the course, operationally intensive, provided certificate to all who obtained at least ¾ of attendance. The application of the sequences in the form of this extension course was evaluated and improved in what was necessary before compiling the final version of the intended educational product. In the present dissertation of professional masters, which followed as the culmination of this work, there is an analysis and discussion on the structure, elaboration and application of the teaching sequences used, as well as an evaluation of the extension course by the licenseeings that attended it.