Uso de modelos na abordagem de geometria de sólidos cristalinos: experiência vivenciada na monitoria de Química Inorgânica L1

Abstract

The objective of this work is to study crystalline solid structures using low-cost molecular models from a sequential didactic intervention. This research was executed out during the academic monitoring period in order to improve the understanding of students about inorganic chemistry subject in the chemistry course. This work followed a pretest-posttest design on chemical bonds and solid structures, before and after the didactic intervention. The participants were 19 undergraduate students from a 4th period college chemistry course. The results obtained previously indicated that the students' understanding of chemical bonds was regular. Regarding questions about solid 90% of the students' answers were categorized as unsatisfactory. In the didactic intervention, the concrete models was built with Styrofoam balls and wooden sticks by the students. Then, non-tradicional classes and oral activities were applied. With the results of the post-test it was observed the students were able to use and visualize the built models as a tool to learn concepts of crystalline solids. At the end of the process, all students evaluated the methodology used as positive. Therefore, this study showed that the use of concrete models is an effective strategy for teaching solid structures. Finally, this research indicated that it is necessary to devote more time to teach the concept about chemical bonds within this theme and also others in Chemistry for a better understanding of this content.