Possibilidades do uso de simuladores no ensino de ciências por investigação: um estudo de caso utilizando o simulador de força e movimento do PhET

Abstract

Students generally show low interest in the Natural Sciences subjects, as evidenced by stagnant national educational indicators when compared to other countries through the PISA assessment. Ausubel's Theory of Meaningful Learning can be associated with the Inquiry-Based Science Teaching methodology through educational tools such as mind maps and computer simulations of natural phenomena, aiming for better learning outcomes. This study proposes, through the qualitative and quantitative analysis of mind maps, student responses to practice guides, and questionnaires, to present the impact on the teaching-learning process in Physics Education using PhET computer simulations to study the relationship between force and the motion of bodies through the Inquiry-Based Science Teaching methodology. The results indicate increasing student engagement in the activities and a positive impact of the proposed teaching methodology. However, they also suggest that improvements are needed through an investigation of students' educational backgrounds and a readjustment of the time allocated for certain activities.