Development of a didactic sequence using black pepper as a theme for teaching chemical systems

Abstract

Chemistry teaching is in need of change, with the incorporation of new tools to make learning more interesting, placing the student as the protagonist. The aim of this work is to describe the perception of first-year high school students at a state school in the interior of São Mateus about the study of chemical systems, using black pepper as a theme. The qualitative research was conducted using a didactic sequence, divided into five stages: initial recognition; leveling classes; establishing a plan/strategy; executing the strategy; and verifying and analyzing the results obtained. A field diary was used to record each phase of the research, making it possible to take notes and observe the development of the work. Lectures and dialogues were given on the subject of black pepper, as well as experimental classes. Two questionnaires were administered: one on previous knowledge and the other a final questionnaire. The results indicate that the proposed didactic sequence was considered an efficient method for studying chemical systems. In this application, it was observed that the participants were able to improve their understanding of chemical systems, feeling more motivated to study the subject when associated with an everyday topic, such as black pepper. One difficulty identified in applying the didactic sequence was the lack of prior knowledge needed to study the content of chemical systems.