Elaboração e avaliação de um guia didático para inspirar e estimular a produção de ideias d e pesquisas de iniciação científica infantojuvenis

Abstract

Several contemporary researchers in the field of science education have advocated for the use of constructivist educational approaches. This involves a teaching and learning process centered on problem-solving strategies that stimulate interactive dialogue, clarification, and argumentation about different ideas, as well as fostering students' autonomous learning. The so-called youth scientific initiation is part of these constructivist teaching strategies and is typically intuitively employed by teachers who engage their students in research projects intended for school science fairs and exhibitions. Engaging in youth scientific initiation activities (YSIA) has been highlighted as crucial for enhancing students' scientific literacy. To contribute to research on the potential benefits and ways of implementing YSIA activities in basic education schools, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of using recommendations proposed in a didactic guide with suggestions for teachers regarding the development and implementation of such projects. The results of content analysis from questionnaires and research schemes presented by groups of students from two classes in the first year of high school at a public school in Redenção, Pará, Brazil revealed some evidence that supports the hypothesis that using certain inspiring examples of YSIA research — appropriately presented by teachers in the classroom — can help high school students create YSIA project schemes that are sufficiently clear and scientifically appropriate. Consequently, these schemes can be refined into viable YSIA research proposals, considering the available time, space, infrastructure, and cognitive level of the students. Based on the analyzed data, this research has produced an educational product titled "Iniciação Científica Infantojuvenil: exemplos inspiradores e sugestões práticas", aimed at educators and students in basic education.