Pioneiras em Matemática no Brasil: um e-book como recurso didático para a graduação

Abstract

In this work, we present the history and contributions of the first three women to earn PhDs in Mathematics (classified according to CAPES major fields: Analysis, Algebra, Geometry, and Probability) in Brazil. As an Educational Product, we created an e-book titled "Pioneiras da Matemática no Brasil" (Pioneers of Mathematics in Brazil), aimed at cataloging women's contributions to Brazilian mathematics to equip History of Mathematics teachers with educational resources on female scientific production. Thus, promoting a contextualized perspective on the work of these Brazilian women mathematicians, we highlight relevant personal, historical, and political aspects, recognizing that this was a context not only of achievement but also of privilege. Although women represent half of the global population, their contributions receive significantly less visibility compared to those of men, particularly in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). According to Louro (1997), this invisibility stems from numerous factors, including societal perceptions of gender roles. To address the needs of our target audience, we conducted a survey with undergraduate students via Google Forms and interviewed university professors to determine whether the History of Mathematics in Brazil and female contributions were integrated into classroom teaching. The results revealed formative gaps, guiding the development of the e-book as a teaching resource to increase the visibility of female mathematical production. The e-book was grounded in both traditional and contemporary historiography, starting with a literature review of the History of Mathematics in Brazil from 1930 onwards—a period when mathematics and other sciences gained momentum following the Revolution of 1930—followed by a survey of the works of the first female PhDs in mathematics. Once completed, the e-book underwent expert validation by professors from undergraduate Mathematics programs. Experts' responses were evaluated using a Likert Scale, Content Validity Index (CVI), and Percentage of Agreement (PA). The results demonstrated that 100% of the evaluators recommended the e-book, successfully validating it as an Educational Product.