O uso do PhET colorado como metodologia de ensino de circuitos elétricos

Abstract

Technological advancements and the transformations in contemporary education demand pedagogical approaches that integrate theory, practice, and digital resources, fostering meaningful learning aligned with 21st-century requirements. In the context of Physics education, particularly in the study of Electric Circuits, it is essential to incorporate active methodologies and technological tools that enhance student agency. This research aimed to develop and implement a didactic unit based on the use of the PhET Colorado simulator as a pedagogical mediation strategy to support the understanding of electric circuits in high school. The study is characterized as qualitative, applied, exploratory in nature, and structured as a pedagogical intervention. It was conducted with 35 second-year high school students from a public school in Paraná, Brazil, over four class sessions involving interactive simulations, guided experimentation, and gamified activities. Data collection included diagnostic tests, classroom observations, student productions, and the administration of evaluative questionnaires. The results indicated significant evidence of learning: students demonstrated improved conceptual understanding, enhanced scientific reasoning, and increased engagement in problem-solving tasks. Comparisons between initial and final assessments revealed clear performance gains and deeper content comprehension. The initiative proved effective in promoting dynamic, accessible, and contextually relevant instruction, underscoring the importance of integrating educational technologies with participatory methodologies. It is hoped that this proposal will inspire innovative and replicable practices in Physics education, contributing to the development of student protagonism and the enhancement of scientific literacy in basic education.