THE USE OF SMALL STEAM POWER PLANTS AS A PROPOSAL FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOLL STUDENTS STUDYING ENERGY TRANSFORMATIONS

Abstract

Science education in Brazil seeks to develop scientific literacy and critical thinking, aiming to develop citizens capable of actively participating in society and transforming reality. However, it faces challenges such as a lack of resources and limited time for practical activities. Current trends focus on integrating scientific knowledge into everyday life and promoting transformative education, in contrast to more traditional methods. Seventh grade in Brazil is part of the final years of elementary school, from 6th to 9th grade, focused on deepening knowledge after literacy and preparing students for high school. In this phase, to teach energy transformation, the authors used practical activities and experiments in everyday life, such as rubbing hands to generate heat, and everyday scenarios, such as the pressure cooker routinely used for cooking. After presenting basic knowledge about the Law of Conservation of Energy, focusing on transformation according to the thermodynamic model, an experiment on this type of energy transformation was proposed. The objective of this study was to encourage students to develop practical projects in this area. The most elaborate and didactic projects were selected for presentation not only to the class itself, but to the entire school during academic breaks. The authors conclude that experimentation not only reinforces the content but also ensures more effective retention.