A proposed investigative didactic sequence to unravel the mysteries of acquired human immunodeficiency

Abstract

Immunology was one of the scientific areas that grew the most in Brazil in the 1990s. However, teaching immunology has proved quite challenging for basic education teachers because it addresses abstract subjects difficult for students to understand. From this perspective, there is a significant concern with developing diverse methodologies to help teachers with the immunology subject in high school. One of the subjects that raises considerable interest among students is HIV/AIDS. Thus, using this curiosity, an investigative didactic sequence was proposed that deals with the HIV/AIDS subject composed of four stages and developed in groups. The first step consists in presenting the problem through a motivating text where the groups should develop hypotheses to answer the question "Why and how does HIV/AIDS promote immunodeficiency?". In the second stage, there will be bibliographic research to test the hypotheses raised. In the third stage, the groups will present the results and show whether the hypotheses are correct or not. In the fourth stage, a round-table discussion will be held between the teacher and the students to discuss the knowledge built in the process and clarify any questions. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and suspension of face-to-face classes, the didactic sequence was not applied to students. However, it is believed that this sequence can be an adequate tool to talk about HIV/AIDS more dynamically.