Ensino investigativo de Química com arduíno: abordagem da conversão de gases em catalisadores automotivos

Abstract

This study presents the results of an investigation in the teaching of Chemistry, developed and anchored in the objects of knowledge related to the conversions of gases that occur in automotive catalysts and that are contemplated by the study of chemical kinetics. Among its fundamentals, the principles of investigative activities that are employed in Problem-Based Learning (PBL) stood out in a perspective that included, for this foundation, the Theory of Meaningful Learning (TML). The study also had a CTSA approach, based on the mediation of learning, proposed by Vygotsky. The research presented a mechanism for monitoring the gases related to the catalysts and at the same time analyzed the impacts on student learning. To this end, it included practical activities with emphasis on the use of Arduino — a hardware and software platform that enabled experiments aimed at analyzing gas emissions in combustion engine exhaust systems. The results showed that the integration between PBL and CTSA, combined with the use of technological tools, such as Arduino in the mediation of learning, enabled the consolidation of knowledge that was qualified according to the understanding of concepts appropriated by the target audience. Therefore, the good evaluation result demonstrated that the strategy is promising for the teaching of Chemistry, filling possible existing gaps. However, it is important to point to the need for new evaluative studies, using the methodology adopted in different learning contexts, to assess its effectiveness in science education.