Construção de um modelo molecular magnético: uma proposta para o ensino da ligação química

Abstract

In this work, a prototype called “Magnetic Molecular Model” was developed, produced from plastic spheres in 3D printers with magnets inserted internally inside each sphere to simulate the attractive forces that exist between atoms in the formation of a chemical bond. The material was designed with the aim of minimizing learning difficulties related to understanding the formation of chemical bonds between atoms, which students normally do not understand that there are attractive and repulsive forces in the formation of the bond. To think about production, an investigation was carried out in different Chemistry textbooks, whether at higher or secondary level (Plano Nacional do Livro Didático, 2007), to identify the highest frequency of examples of molecules that form chemical bonds that appear in the books quite frequently. After this stage, the educational product was applied to 15 Chemistry teachers in initial training and 13 in continuing training in the form of a mini-course. As a first result, it was possible to verify the acceptance of the model by the participants who stated that through its use it is possible to work on concepts related to chemical bonds, such as molecular geometry, electronegativity and the different bonds that occur between atoms. Still as the main result, the participants brought that the sensorial perception of the attractive and repulsive forces existing between structures analogous to chemical molecules, not presented in other molecular models present in the commercial market and that this factor is highlighted for the use of this resource in the Basic Education classroom.