Modelagem matemática no lançamento de foguetes com materiais manipulativos e suas implicações

Abstract

The present work presents a methodological proposal that can be used to introduce the student to mathematical concepts, from concrete elements (manipulating materials). In particular, we propose that the construction of a rocket can serve as a scenario to, among other things, introduce the student to the study of the polynomial function of degree 2. This activity seeks to complement the theory approached through the mathematical description of the dynamics manifested by the object in question. It is clear that there is an intrinsic difficulty caused by the approach to this topic at this level of education. One of the possible reasons for this difficulty is the fact that classes are usually limited to a simple mathematical formalism exercise. Omitting, then, all the beauty of instrumentalization, which may be precisely the key element for students to have the same fascination and notion of applicability found among scientists from different areas. In pursuit of awakening this fascination, this experimental activity was developed, which aims to better adapt to the educational reality, that is, making use of low-cost materials. It was decided to manufacture PET bottle rockets, which were launched through the chemical reaction that was generated in the studied projectile. The trajectory of this movement was captured and registered with technological resources, being the source of study of the work. It should be noted that collecting data is a complex activity, because, in addition to the data to be collected, there is the question of how this information will be processed, which can be done in several different ways. It is noteworthy that this part, in the research, was little explored, being limited to carrying out measurements of range, flight time and maximum height reached. This experimental activity will generate more than one level of analysis, in this sense, we can point out future directions. The purpose of this study is inserted in the midst of the dissemination, for students and teachers, of the competitions offered annually at the national level, these competitions, called Brazilian Olympiads of knowledge. Apparently students are more interested in learning if they are within a game context, and nowadays this scenario is titled as the gamification of teaching. In education, for example, we have the reward of a child for having their activity, task or work, being recognized by drawings, stickers, stamps and generally in the shape of little stars, such a procedure can already be characterized as a gamification. In the context of the research, we have the dispute itself to reach a better reach and, consequently, to reach indexes for future competitions. Through this teaching dynamic, it is expected to encourage students to participate effectively in the learning process, not only in this proposed theme, but in all of them, throughout their academic life. Showing that learning and classes are not a simple ordering of content predetermined by textbooks, but an interactive form that is potentially more attractive and closer to the student's daily life. In addition to bringing to itself the questioning, the discussion of the most improved way of the divergences of such results in relation to the theoretical model studied in the classroom.